Very educated and knowledgeable staff about all things Cello! They were very helpful with my rental and I'm getting ready to make a Cello purchase. Just trying to decide if I want a three-quarter or a 7/8 ladies cello size. read more

Wonderful rental experience with great customer service that went above and beyond when a case was breaking.

I needed to return a product, and was asked to fill out a review of my experience (which happened to be poor because their website's description of their return policy was overwhelming in its bizarre complexity.) I described my negative experience in an appropriate way. Then, I received an email purporting to be the review I had just submitted to Johnson. But, it had been modified to be glowing in its enthusiasm for the product, and my experience of making the return. I was shocked to read it, and would describe the modification as unethical. I will add that I have no information about where the radically modified version of my review might be used. I thank Yelp for publishing this, my unedited version... read more

I have been a customer of Johnson String for several years. Recently I spoke with an employee who told me about some serious issues with the company's senior administration. They only talked to me after I asked a pointed question since I have heard some disturbing stories about staff quitting after being pressured by the CEO and COO. Turns out that the COO gaslights employees on a daily basis. "Nothing to see here," when in fact there is plenty to see and be concerned about. News about a recent OSHA complaint was enough to get me to start shopping at Shar Music until Johnson gets its act together. I feel it's that serious. read more

I rented a violin from Johnson String. It arrived shortly and was fine. When it came time to return the instrument, I contacted Johnson String to purchase a $15 return postage label that they had advertised when I rented the violin. They responded to another part of my email but ignored the return label part. I waited for over a week - no return label. I shipped via Fed Ex at a cost of $98. I contacted Johnson String about the high cost of return shipping after they had promised $15. They apologized but would not refund the difference from what they promised for shipping to what I actually paid. I will not do business with them again. read more

Came during Covid times. They had a good system going on by taking a number. Wait time was not very long. Friendly staff and reasonable rental prices. read more

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This place is amazing! I've not only rented from here but have also had them service a viola that I own. Their selection and staff are fantastic. They will never steer you towards more expensive items if you don't need them. You won't find better prices or selection anywhere including online. read more

I made an appointment to see the "luthier." I told them I just want someone to put a sound post in an older cello. I also asked them how much this would cost. They said that I would have to wait and see what the "luthier" said. Before i begin my critique of what happened when I showed up with an older hand crafted European instrument, I want to say that this review relates only to the downstairs of the shop. The place where they sell and fix instruments. I have only had positive experiences with the workers in the upstairs part of the shop. A little background about me. I have been classically trained on the violin since I was a small child. I adhere to the strictest of values when it comes to both playing and understanding myinstruments. This is how I was brought up. With that said, let me start. First off, I wanted to be upfront and I told the "luthier" that all I want is for him to replace the sound post in the cello, and that I understood going in that the cello needs work, but that it is fully functional and that due to having to move it, the sound post fell down, and could he please just put it back up. He said let me look at it. So he took it into his room, and when he came back he said it needs 1000's of dollars worth of work to get it to top shape, I said, yes, that's what I told you going in. I know. Can you please put the soundpost back up. I offered to obviously pay him for his time. When he realized that I wasn't going to spend 1000's of dollars he refused to put the post back up stating that it is too short. At this point I realized, he'd never studied any history of either instrument repair and specifically the practices of sound post placement over the years. I asked him from what country the cello came from. Anyone who knows anything could look at it and tell that it is a German copy of an Italian cello, dating from the mid to late 19th century. Keep in mind this "luthier" is supposed to be an expert who fixes high end instruments. This is supposed to be someone that I would trust with my most prized possessions. Nope. He had no clue where it was from and tried to get more money from me. At this point when I asked him again and offered him money to just put the soundpost up, he told me that the cello is worthless and should just be put up on the wall. So he got nasty. And mean. First of all, he's wrong. It's actually a joke how little he knew about stringed instruments. Secondly, what horrible customer relations. You never treat a customer that way, even if you are right, but especially if you are wrong and just don't know anything like this 21 year old "luthier" It's clear that Johnson String is not really about stringed instruments. It's all about raking in money by hiring people who don't know anything and paying them nothing, and then reaping as much money as they can from customers who don't know any better. From now on they are Johnson Squeeze Shop, where if they can't squeeze any money out of you, they treat you like you are worthless. read more

This place is a ripoff. Renting a children's violin for a year here costs as much or more than buying an equivalent one outright--and you can sell a violin that you bought after you grow out of it. Their sales department sells violins for high prices as well relative to what the same models sell for elsewhere or on the internet. The service is pleasant but impersonal and they will absolutely not go out of their way to help you. read more

I've ordered music online from them in the past. But only recently stepped into the brick and mortar store. The place was a little tough to find - set way back off the road - hidden from view by lots of vegetation if coming from rt 9. Staff was helpful- though clearly one girl was in training - I'd think anyone working in a strings store would be knowledgeable about rosin. They have a fabulous selection of cases - might be heading back for a Christmas gift. read more

Johnson String Instrument - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts

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Great luthiers at Carriage House Violins; I sent my violin in for a new bridge and sound post. They listened to my needs and asked about playing style before making the bridge curvature and height adjustments. They also refit the pegs. The instrument sounds much more resonant and loud now, the sympathetic vibrations on open strings are much easier to hear. My wife said it sounds like I had an extra year of practice after the instrument was fixed up. Not a cheap service, but well worth the price. read more

I really have to take issue with the person who felt that the JSI rental program was a rip off. When I first started taking violin lessons, being able to rent the instrument was fantastic. It was short money and I could return the instrument with no hassle. How can you lose when a portion of your rental fees can be applied to purchasing an instrument? When it came time to buy an instrument, I had over $250 of rental equity. Not to mention that they service your rental instrument, give you loaner instruments, fit you for the right size instrument. True, you can buy a "cheaper" instrument on the internet. But you will not have any services that come with their rentals. Believe me, you will need them! Good luck when it comes time to sell the outgrown instruments, you will get peanuts for it. Penny wise, pound foolish my friend!! read more

If you are looking for cellos,violins and guitars this is the right place. They have everything you need to buy or rent your favorite instrument. Also a good selection of beautiful cases, bags and other accessories. A very friendly staff helped me to choose the right size violin for my son in a fast and effective way. read more

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I don't know why this place has such bad reviews. I started playing cello and my instructor told me that in the Boston area, there were only two shops of reputation she thought would be worth going to go get a rental; one was out near Framingham, and the other was this one - a little closer at only 30 minutes away from downtown haha. Everyone is super friendly and helpful. Every time I've been there's been no one on the floor to notice you look around and ask if you need help, but if you just ask the people behind the counter for help, they're super friendly and super helpful. When I rented my cello this girl spent probably an hour with me walking me through the choices, etc. The same when I just went back to buy a cello - I asked someone behind the counter to help me, and then they were super friendly. I also had questions on some of their policies and sent them an email and got a reply within 24 hours each time of really helpful information. Prices: I can't compare prices on instruments or anything; I don't know how much things are supposed to cost. The only thing I can compare prices for is a mandolin setup. A luthier in Boston quoted me $100 to get my mandolin setup no matter what. I emailed Johnson Strings, and they said a mandolin setup cost there is based on the amount that needs to be done, and is usually around half that. read more

Very easy transaction all around. I went online and entered all my information. My daughter's violin was delivered in less than a week. I'm very satisfied with Johnson String Instruments and would use them again and recommend them to friends, read more

We had insurance appraisals done on all of the instruments in our household and the person was really reasonable, charging us less than the stated price for some of the instruments and bows since they were easily replaceable factory-made instruments that didn't need much of a writeup for insurance. We were very happy with this transaction. We've had nothing but love for the rentals we've done for kids through them. Amy is particularly helpful with cello stuff. read more

The store is nice, the website is good, and as long as you're buying something they're pretty polite to you. Also, I cannot really say that they have done me wrong, but they certainly didn't do me any favors and they were rude to me in the process, so you should be warned. I bought a bow from them after trying out ten or so that they brought out. I had had three of their bows on trial the week before and returned them. I regretted letting one of them go. They no longer had it. Thinking that Bow B was comparable to Bow A, I bought it without a trial. I then went on a ten-day vacation and flew back to school. I was not pressured into making a sale, though I did not want to take bows home on trial as I was flying to Israel the week after and wasn't sure how much time I'd have to try them out and bring them back. After I returned things got crazy. As soon as I had time to practice I called them and told them I wanted to return the bow. They asked me if I could bring it into the store that day; I explained that I was in a different state and could only mail it in, but that I would ship it overnight the next day. Because it wouldn't get there in time for the thirty-day return window (even though the window was still valid), they refused to let me return it and said I would have to trade it in at the 60% rate. Well, long story short, I emailed the sales director. He said they would give me 100% credit for it minus a rehair and damages and that I could come into the shop and choose something else, but that they would not let me return it. The email included the statement "I feel that we have offered a reasonable amount of time, especially considering that you had the bow on trial for almost 2 weeks before the purchase was made." Ie, the sales director did not even bother to look up the bow serial numbers; if he had he would have seen that I had three DIFFERENT bows on trial than the one I eventually bought. Perhaps if this was a Coda bow that would have been a justified statement, but these were wood bows from the same studio that were NOT EVEN MADE BY THE SAME MAKER. Resolution: I traded in my bow for full price at a violin shop in Boston. Several others were willing to take it minus the cost of a rehair. This tells me that JSI could have taken the minor hit and refunded all of my money--if they were interested in keeping my business, which they obviously weren't. Since then I have avoided all contact with Johnson Strings. If I need a large online violin shop I use Sharmusic, despite the fact that I have to wait an extra four or five days for the package to arrive. Shar's prices are also consistently lower for the same products, so I would shop around no matter what if you need strings/rosin etc. I guess it is what it is--but reading the other reviews on here makes me think that their customer service/staff isn't all that great, so be on your guard. read more

As a music educator (band), I appreciate the importance of a good quality violin. Allan was very helpful, allowing us time to try multiple violins and bows. He also helped explain differences only a practiced string player would understand. We've found to our go-to string shop in Boston, and will be back when she's ready for the next size. Thank you Johnson Strings & Carriage House Violins! read more

Dear Julia McKenzie, I am delighted with my improved Baroque violin!!! It sounds sweeter, warmer, and the action is MUCH smoother and easier for me to manage which is immediately more satisfying to play! Yay! Thank you so much for working with Marianne to get it in better shape! I am very grateful for your and Marianne's expert evaluation on what the violin needed to function it's best, and also for your feedback on the bow exchange, and for advising me to get into Johnson in the first place! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! read more

I have been a client with Johnson String Instrument for about 8 years now. No other music company will give you the individualized attention that Johnson String Instrument and Carrige House Violins gives. When I go in, I am greeted by a wonderful team of experts who all specialize in string instruments. Whatever I need, no matter how long it takes the workers at Johnson and Carrige House always give their undivided care and attention to detail to me whenever I shop with them. read more

Great selection and a big showroom. They won't let you look at violins stored even if you want to buy without an appointment which was my turn off. I ended up going to Rutman's. I did get the books I needed though. Call ahead if you're going. read more

We are huge fans of both Johnson String & Carriage House. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and courteous staff. Sales floor is immaculate and well stocked. Service & repair area is expert and efficient. Weekend hours. Extremely customer centric and well run organization at every level. The company is a choice vendor and supporter of our school district and music booster group. We have a cellist, violist and violinist on the high school / middle school level and our only regret is having to endure a lesser South Shore company and not finding these folks years ago. read more

This is Betty from Bak-ta-Bak, Country, Rock & Oldies Band . To all Guitarist out there looking for a Guild Dealer.......check out Johnson String in Newton, MA. & ask for Justin Davis. Johnson String is not ..... GC........ it's a very classy establishment with knowledgeable, helpful staff. I bought my Eastman Cello from JS some time ago and today...... purchased my first guitar from them that I've been eyeing for some time now... ....a USA made Guild M-20. Thanks much Justin ! :-) ..... ....giggin out with my new AX this weekend ! https://www.facebook.com/baktabak.3 read more

Friendly staff, professional environment, etc. All good except for prices. We bought Tomastic Dominant strings for violin for $67. Same strings are available online for $39 regular price or $21 on sale. That's a car mechanic markup, and we all know what reputation those guys have. read more

My youngest daughter is a violin student and her teacher recommended Johnson's. We found the staff to be very helpful and responsive when selecting a rental that is of a quality even the most discerning emerging musician would appreciate. Thank you! read more

I'm a new customer, but the way things are going, I intend to be a customer for years to come. Friendly and helpful staff, great selection of rentals, and many useful music books are available. read more

We have been renting from JSI for about 5 years for two kids. Rental prices are pretty fair and the violins are can be rented for different skill levels. We ended up buying a intermediate violin (Jay Haide) which he has been using for the past 2 years. It was a very good violin for the price. The prices for strings and books are sometimes higher than online (no surprise) but many times they're the same or close to online. We buy many of our books here because the prices are same or just a bit higher. Sometimes it is worth paying the higher price to ensure you know exactly what you need. The staff has always been very friendly and knowledgeable. They're patient and really nice in answering your questions. It's a great place to rent your instruments, especially if you need to rent an instrument for your kids and are clueless like we were. read more

Recently moved to Waltham was disappointed at the dearth of good and reputable music stores until I discovered JSI in Newton. This is now my go-to place. Fantastic staff, excellent stock and selection, and one of their luthiers fixed my dislodged soundpost at no charge. Cannot recommend this place enough. read more

I have 2 wonderful guitars for my sons from Johnson String. The Staff was wonderful and gave me the right size guitars for my 5 and 8 year old boys. They love it. Great products and service. read more

The staff at JSI is always helpful and pleasant. The new location is spacious and has a very nice feel. I feel quite fortunate to have one of the best string shops around close by! read more

I have been using Johnson String Instrument for 8 years. They are incredibly talented and knowledgeable about string instruments.

First, a great big thank you to Marsha, the luthier and genius as well as just a really nice person. Any questions on any cello, and she is your gal. Thank you Marsha. Johnson strings has always had everything I need- and the people there are always ready to help. So, thank you for being genuinely nice and quite knowledgeable about all the instruments you carry. read more

Johnson String Instrument is amazing ! I have been a customer for over five years, and although I live in California, whenever I need something for my violin, the first place that comes to mind is Johnson Strings. Their products, quality, customer service, has always been the best. The staff is professional and courteous, my packages arrive on time and impeccably packed. Recently I needed to find a matching chinrest for a violin that I was considering purchasing. It was hard to match, and I decided to order four different styles from JSI. I spoke with Margaret Leddy, and she graciously and painstakingly evaluated various chinrests to meet my needs. I was so impressed that JSI cares so much about helping their customers ! Alex Wagner also was very professional when I needed to return the articles that I did not need. These customer service representatives were fabulous. If you are looking for something for your violin ( I purchased my BAM case here ), I would highly recommend JSI. It is a great store and the staff there are the best. Elizabeth C. read more

This is mainly to comment about the review that said renting is like buying outright elsewhere. That make me laugh because I know exactly what kind of instrument quality this person is referring to. A violin shaped object! This is the only decent place for rentals. Other shops have comparable rental fees but the instruments are no where the level like the ones here. I tell my students all the time to rent here if they're not ready to invest in buying a decent tone and playability instrument. Same goes for instruments for purchase. Unfortunately not many people know anything about tone quality to say the least. That's to bad. That's also why as a hobby I help students and even other musicians out when they're looking for instrument advice. I can also say that if you go to an unprofessional shop that basically sell a bit of everything in mediocre quality you'd actually end up paying a lot more for a violin than here. I've seen people pay $1800-3000 you name it and the quality is not even comparable to Johnson's standard tier rental which retails At only $750. Oh well. It's unfortunate so few people know anything about music instrument qualities. read more

I went to check out cello bows at JSI. I didn't realize I needed to make an appointment, but they set up a room for me anyway. Although they were accommodating, they pretty much failed in making me feel like a real (or at least worth-while) customer. In spite of this, I took out three bows on trial before checking out another shop in the area that provided me with much better service. Returning the bows wasn't much of a hassle, but we were met with a long line (it must have been school rental season) and lack of parking in their lot and all the way down the street. During our wait, we looked at some of their books for sale. Most of them didn't have a price marked on them, but I liked one that I saw and went to buy it. It turned out to be really expensive ($25-30), and I regret actually purchasing through them instead of anywhere else where it is half the price. read more

EXTREMELY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. Needed a peg replaced on my violin. Took it to Johnson String, where they replaced the peg. The peg kept slipping and loosing the G-string. Took it back to Johnson String. The luthier, Marsha, basically called me a liar. She said the peg is not slipping. So it was my imagination when in the middle of a couple sessions I went to play the G-string and it had come lose. I must have made it up, because I wanted to sit in 3 hours of traffic, to bring the violin back and be called a liar. Awesome. read more

I had a not so great experience with these guys. Rented a cello for my son, and, like can happen, had a mishap and the cello broke. Yes, insurance on the rental, but they refused to rent us another cello unless we were prepared to forego insurance -- a $1500 risk if something were to happen to that cello. They were pretty nasty and unsympathetic about it, even though we had paid out nearly $2,000 in rental fees over the years. Again, they did stick to the letter of the contract...but I would have expected a little "give", given potential long term value of the customer. read more

Despite having spent money in this store before for a new bow and many other things, I always find myself somewhat disappointed or deeply annoyed when I visit. There doesn't seem to be a very good customer service policy . . . at least not every single time I have visited. They don't seem to care or worse yet, they don't seem to want to serve me. Maybe it is because they are busy or maybe it is because they have the rental market cornered or maybe there is something worse going on. I don't know but I made up my mind today that I won't be returning to Johnson ever again. In the end, I went into Boston to buy the cello that I had originally planned to buy at Johnson. I think that is best for me. read more

I have rented, evaluated bows, and purchased a violin outfit from JSI. The staff is friendly, professional, and not pushy. I appreciated that they left things alone when I initially was not ready to make a purchase. Together with the positive rental experience, I did go back a year later to purchase an intermediate level violin. Given their upgrade policy, I would definitely go back there again for any further purchases. I have also had repair work done at JSI and the luthiers were nice and explain things well and also gave me a free loaner. read more

I've come here as a violin student and then as a cello student. Their rental instruments, even on the lowest tier, are good quality instruments. Customer service was superb when I returned my cello rental and looked into purchasing. I bought my cello during the graduation sale. John forgot to calculate my credit from having rented, and when I called he fixed it immediately. They have space on the second floor so that you can try instruments without being interrupted by other people. The only downside is that this small store can get crowded really easily. If you're going to look at instruments, I recommend calling in and making an appointment. You can also order products from their website if you don't want to drive over to Chestnut Hill. read more