For a few years now, I had been wanting to either get my viola bow re-haired (if possible) or purchase a new viola bow - and had called a few music stores around for pricing for a possible re-hair of the bow. Since I have had my viola for quite awhile now, it was a first for me since I only played in school orchestras. Been wanting to get back into just practicing, but then the pandemic happened and I just put this thought off to the side. A few weeks ago, I called up a few of the same stores, where I had gotten quotes a few years ago, and my fav one seemed to have closed down during the pandemic. I found contact information again for J. Brown Violin Maker and called to inquire and to reserve a time to come into the store. Debbie picked up the phone and provided lots of valuable information and I quickly set up a time, as I know from personal experience, always better to set up a reservation. Good thing I did as well, because they were in and out for the month of July and were also busy with school instrument repairs. When I arrived to the shop, I did not know there was a small parking lot up front, so I drove around the building (due to the one-way street on the side) and then parked in a "J. Brown Violin Maker" Reserved parking spot. I was a few minutes early, but knocked on the door to announce my arrival. Good thing I made a reservation as 2 more families (without a reservation) came in after me! The second family after me probably had to wait over an hour since I was just a few minutes into my reserved time and the family after me needed to look into renting a viola. Debbie explained and showed me that my current bow was unable to be re-haired and also showed me a few areas where I could "repair" for better sounds and etc. I opted to get new strings along with a new carbon composite bow. Yes, prices online may be cheaper, but I love supporting local businesses! Since they know that they cannot beat online prices, Debbie did restring my viola for me, and even helped lubricate the viola pegs! I learned a lot that day, especially since I have never had private lessons. For one of the families after me, Debbie even said that they had just made the viola for the student's viola teacher the year before. I love how connected they are to the community and I even asked for recs for a piano tuner. The second family after me seemed to have purchased multiple violins from here as well. The store certainly keeps busy, and I hope that they continue to do so, as one does not usually see many Master Luthiers around anymore. read more

I'd been wanting to visit this shop for many years, but hadn't done so as I was no longer playing. Now that I've picked up the violin again, I decided that it was time to finally see what this magical place is about. I had purchased a very inexpensive violin from Amazon to start, but the sound and feel just isn't right. When setting my appointment, I let Deb know that I'm basically a beginner, but wanted to see instruments that will grow with me. She was super friendly and personable and let me know that she would be ready to show me a variety of instruments that fit my needs and budget. My husband and I came in and it was immediately a very welcoming environment. I was able to try a variety of violins and bows at my leisure. Deb was really helpful throughout the process and it's a very 0-pressure shop. It came down to two beautiful instruments and with my husband and Deb's feedback I was able to select an amazing violin and bow. Jim was busy with another customer for most of our visit, but came right over to talk once he was free. He shared a lot of insights about the instrument I purchased as well as their philosophy. Just a great visit and I wish I had come in sooner! Prices are very reasonable as you will be getting a quality instrument. It's also a one-stop shop as they have anything you can possibly imagine for your stringed instrument. Jim is an expert luthier so I'm glad that I can come back if my instrument ever needs servicing. They also make sure that you know how to care for your instrument before you leave. My advice would be to visit J. Brown before purchasing a violin, viola, or cello elsewhere. I know I'll definitely be visiting them for all of my future needs. read more

J. Brown Violin Maker - My new violin and bow. My outfit included the case, shoulder rest, and rosin. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Claremont, California

Since the beginning, the customer service from Debbie has been on occasion unpleasant and abrasive but due to the convenience of their location we remained renting until the decision to purchase was made with no intention to purchase here. To my dismay, the owner responded negatively and visibly upset as I returned the rental and had not given them a chance at purchasing. She proceeded to ask, practically DEMANDING who had recommended the business that I had elected over hers. Under her breath, she mutter something to the effect of "bad angel" or "some angel"??? Not sure what that intent was about such strange and disturbing comment... This created a most negative awkward atmosphere that no customer should go through. The rude and disrespectful attitude ultimately affirmed that my decision to move my business elsewhere, was the correct choice. A simple understanding that customers have the right to make their own choices would have made the entire experience much more pleasant. The ability to accept customer decisions and maintain professionalism is key to customer retention and future business/referrals. Thankfully, I found another violin maker with an impressive selection but also providing me and my family with excellent, welcoming customer service. I will not regret my decision to take my business elsewhere and will continue to recommend businesses that treat their customers with respect and professionalism. read more

We love the owners here. She has gotten great rental violins for all my beginning and intermediate students. Wouldn't go anywhere else for violin needs. Repairs, adjustments, or books. They will set you up with everything for this musical journey! Their passion and kindness speak volumes. read more

Wow, what a unique experience I had... to help assemble my own cello with J. Brown himself! I've been curious about this shop since I was a teen roaming around Claremont Village. After renting from a couple places I decided to bite the bullet and purchase a cello from here. Tried a couple of cellos with the help from Debbie, who provided all the info and answered all my questions to help inform my decision. Everyone was pleasant and knowledgable... especially appreciated learning how cellos are made too. Will have to thank their cat, Oliver, in helping me pick the cello I chose as well. :) read more

I had 2 vintage violins that have been in the family for many years from my Great Grandfather. I made an appointment to bring them in to see if they would be worth repairing or for restoration. The owner and his cat welcomed me in and he proceeded to give me a very good education about what i had and the values as well.He is very knowledgeable and i highly recommend coming here for your violin needs! read more

Amazing experience with Deb. She took the time to gently explain to my daughter and our family the steps we needed to take to ensure the violin is in good working order. I would highly recommend this business. read more

I received excellent service when I went to J Brown Violin Maker to have him give me an evaluation of my newly purchased violin. He is extremely knowledgeable about violin making, spent a lot of time explaining things, and gave me details I had never thought of. I left the violin with him and he put new tuning pegs and strings and re-haired my bow. The violin sounds soooo much better and it is easy to tune now. His wife is also very helpful and found me a more comfortable chin rest. It was also very fairly priced. I can't say enough wonderful things about them. They are truly the best and I highly recommend them and will keep going back. Holly Shaw Price read more

Well informed and helpful. The owners are honest and know everything violin. They went out of their way to connect me with someone who can help me with my needs. read more

AMAZING, adorable little shop located in Downtown Claremont! If you or someone you know plays the Cello, Viola, Violin, etc, definitely make the time to stop in! It's a bit difficult to find~ it's actually right across the back of the Rhino Records building & they have a tiny parking lot. But back to the shop itself~ I personally have never had an issue with parking or having it not be open during posted business hours! The first time I took my daughter (who's a Cellist) she was in heaven~ beautiful violins, cellos, violas, & double basses fill half of the shop's walls! They sell sheet music, instrument cases, rosin, bows, etc. Since we were stringed instrument newbies at the time, we sincerely appreciated Mr. & Mrs. Brown's knowledge and friendly advice! We have bought random items and rented a Cello from them. The whole process was super easy and prices are fair and affordable. I had gone to several other places in the Inland Empire prior to finding out J. Brown rents instruments & we went with them because we actually trusted them (1 place actually tried to tell me that their brand new Cecilio Cello with the tags still on were 'real, authentic Stradivarius instruments & sized my daughter wring!) & their rental agreement was the most fair. They have student grade instruments along with amazing hand-made ones by Mr. Brown himself! Before your first trip, go to YouTube & search him/his shop! The one thing that might deter you from visiting is if you have a severe cat allergy~ they have the sweetest pet cats that roam the shop, so if you're allergic know that before walking in. Otherwise, it's a must see for any string musician out in the area! read more

I have entrusted J. Brown violin maker for nearly 15 years! I have rented then bought my first 1/2 violin from them, then when I wanted to switch to viola, I came back to rent a viola. I ended up buying it, its a beautiful 15" inch viola. Years later once again i wanted to try the cello. So i knew my only place to come was J.Brown, I now could rent my own cello as an adult so his wife helped me pick out a beautiful 7/8 cello. Renting prices are always fair. This place knows how to take care of their customers. They have tons of faithful customers and I am one of them. pictured is my viola and cello! The atmosphere in the shop is amazing and they have cats who are friendly. read more

J. Brown Violin Maker - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Claremont, California

I had an excellent experience at J. Brown's! He knows his violins and so does his family! I have been looking for a new violin for a while and they had such a large selection of great quality. They listened to what I was looking for and helped me find the perfect fit. They even had their daughter play on a few for me to hear them (they let me play too but as a beginner it was super helpful to hear someone more experienced play). As a novice I usually feel uncomfortable in a shop but they made me feel so welcome :) It's also clear they stand behind the excellent quality of their violins and I will be a customer here again for sure! read more

J. Brown Violin Maker - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Claremont, California

Jim Brown made the viola I use for teaching and performing. Excellent craftsmanship, generous and responsive to my need for a smaller, lighter weight sized viola due to lingering injuries from a vehicle accident. Jim has a heart for music education and for injury prevention and is knowledgeable and friendly and talkative - always ready to do good work for the students I send to his shop, always ready to share his knowledge with customers. The shop is small and location slightly hidden, being behind the buildings that face the street. Parking lot is shared with other nearby businesses, but has a couple spots reserved for their customers only. Ground floor, porch with a curb and ramp from parking lot up to the porch, no stairs at the entrance, but wheelchair users might find navigating around inside the main customer service area a little tight if there are other customers around. They take walk-ins when open, and keep fairly regular hours, but they don't have a lot of staff. As with any luthier, if you need to consult or ask for help with an instrument, buy an instrument or ask for repairs, it's a good idea to call before coming in to let them know what you're coming in for, & when you're coming, to ensure that they'll be ready for you. They have a small selection of the peripherals - cases, some sheet music, strings, music-related books, bags, stands, etc. etc. But it's a luthier's shop first and foremost, not a general music store. As with any music store, if all you need is new strings (and you or your teacher will install them) or a new cake of rosin, no need to go here unless you happen to live so close that it's more convenient than ordering online. There are cats in the shop who will ask to be petted when you visit. :-) read more

I came in as a walk-in looking to buy my first student-grade violin on a budget. The owner and his wife worked the shop together. I was lucky to get there while they had 30 minutes to spare and that they were willing to help me. The owner's wife was the one helping me. She was very kind and transparent with the violin pricing. She even let me hold some of the higher priced violins under careful instruction (because I'm inexperienced), which I am incredibly grateful for. Also they had 2 very cute cats that were there to welcome customers, and they made sure to ask me if I was allergic or bothered by the cats. VERY LOVELY EXPERIENCE DO RECOMMEND. read more

If you are looking for a real violin or cello, this is the place! The lady who works there is amazing friendly, goes out of her way help. We went in for parts and service, but I will buy or next instrument from them. If you buy from them, they will give you trade in credit when upgrading. Truly a happy place for musicians. read more

I have nothing but positive things to say about J. Brown. The people working here are passionate and caring about their instruments and more importantly, their customers. I believe that they are responsible for creating and caring for generations of musicians and music lovers alike. Their relationships with local schools and instructors are a testament to the important part they play in the geographical area. read more

What a gem this little store in the Claremont Village is! A local strings teacher recommended this mom and pop store to me. He said the prices are a little higher than chain store competitors, but you get a much nicer quality instrument. That was three years ago, and I've been very happy with their customer service and quality. First of all, they're not trying to up sell you all the time. Even though they make and sell instruments, they discouraged me from buying a viola until my daughter stopped growing. My daughter took such good care of her rented viola the first two years that when they measured her this year and she'd outgrown the instrument, they loaned her a nicer instrument. At first, she cried because she was sentimental about trading in her original viola, but we got the second one home, she played it, and the tone was so rich and lovely that she was won over quite quickly. Because they have been so good to us, and you can apply a portion of the rental fees to a purchase, we will definitely be back to buy a viola when my daughter has stopped growing. Before you go, J. Brown is in a tiny building. The owners are trying to protect themselves and their customers, so I recommend trying to be extra patient during Covid. Call ahead for an appointment, wear a mask, and know that you may have to wait while the customer ahead of you clears the store. If you or your kids are allergic to cats, this store has two. Maybe call ahead and warn them you're allergic so they can try to accommodate you. read more

Lovely place, being their costumer for a while, We are very happy with their assistant on getting the right size instrument for my daughter they will do everything in their hand to meet your need!! read more

Very good service. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were very friendly and helpful. I am an adult beginner and they spent time helping me figure out which violin and shoulder rest would fit me best, explained buying/renting options, and showed me how to take care of a violin. My other option was to purchase one online but I decided to go with a local shop instead and I am happy with the decision. You don't have to make an appointment if you go during their business hours. read more

I called J. Brown called looking for a Violin teacher and was told someone would call me back. After waiting a few days without receiving a call, I called back and was told the same thing again, without ever receiving a call. I finally found a teacher on my own who recommended that I go to J. Brown for a shoulder rest. The shoulder rests were overpriced and the woman working the counter acted as if I couldn't afford to shop there. I bought a shoulder rest, but I'll never go back. I've been a musician all my life and even teach for a living. I have an extensive Guitar collection that includes many high-end instruments. I have two inexpensive Violins that were given to me, but I plan on spending at least $1,000.00 for a good Violin in the near future. I'll gladly give my money to someone else. read more

My family gifted me a cello for my 65th birthday. The store owners graciously outfitted me with the necessary items needed before starting my lessons. I also got recommendations for an instructor from them. As a beginning student, I have been back many times to purchase needed items. I'm sure to continue my visits when necessary. read more

Wonderful quality. But the thing that impresses me the most is how they refuse to sell you things unnecessarily. My son had been told for a while he needed to upsize his violin. They insisted he didn't and gave me lots of good reasons to not spend another $200 plus on a new violin that he did not yet need. Now my daughter is using his original violin. I took it in to make sure everything was in good working order. They could have told me we needed a new bow, or tried to sell me other items, but they didn't. Just new strings and rosin was all it needed. And, the owner patiently showed my daughter how to hold it, clean it, etc. I probably could've gotten a cheaper violin at some chain music store, but it wouldn't have lasted like this one, wouldn't have had the quality, and we wouldn't have consistently gotten the same personalized service we always get here. read more

I was extremely happy that I took my violin to J. Brown Violin. Everyone there Debbie, Jonathan and Jim was extremely helpful, knowledgable and friendly. Jim took time to show me how to change the strings on my violin. Jim also helped me with an issue I was having transitioning from the G string to D string. He replaced my bridge and I no longer have the problem! While there I also had my bow re-haired, purchased a baroque collection and a violin stand! J. Brown Violins is a beautiful shop with warm friendly people! read more

My daughter played the viola and we used to bring her instrument in here all the time to get it tuned up. The people who own this business are very knowledgable and very nice. It's a very homey, cozy shop and sometimes there are people who are in there playing their instruments. When my daughter needed private lessons we found her teacher through them and she was wonderful. I would highly recommend J. Brown if you're just beginning to play or already play. And I think it's very cool that they actually make instruments. read more

I stopped in today with my husband and two kids (3.5 & 11 months) looking for a violin case. The owners were very kind to me and my kids, even brought out toys for them to play while I looked. The woman (sorry, I didn't catch her name) pulled out tons of cases to show me. Several other customers came in so it got a little busy. It was my first place to look so I didn't feel comfortable purchasing a case immediately, but I felt much more informed and better prepared. Would definitely recommend this shop. read more

I'm a life long professional violinist and violin teacher who has known Jim Brown and his work for decades. As such, I'm hard pressed to find another luthier who is so knowledgeable, generous, trustworthy and dedicated to the art of violin making. Though he makes his own fine instruments, he also hand picks entry and student level violins for rental and sale. You won't find this kind of professionalism on eBay or at the mall. Please support J Brown Violins, in the lovely college town of Claremont, CA. read more