This is purely for customer service since I'm still looking for my unicorn viola bow. I want to give a shout out to Yan who helped me test several bows. He was super friendly, knowledgeable, and most importantly patient as he took the time to help me try out bows in several price ranges. I now have a better sense of what I'm looking for as my search continues. I'll definitely be checking in with them periodically to see if and when they get new inventory. Thank you, Yan! read more

After some negative experiences renting and maintaining instruments through an online store and a store local to us, we were recommended to Potter Violins in 2018. Simply put, I cannot see ever purchasing a violin for my daughter from another shop. In our first visit to rent a 1/4 size, the associate played two classes of violin and the less expensive sounded so much better that he packed the more expensive one up because it was not the better sound. We then returned two years later to trade up the rental and purchased a rental outfit instead. For the last two visits, for the 3/4 and fill size, they allowed us plenty of time, changed out chin and shoulder rests, everything we needed for a positive experience. Jan was incredible and treated my daughter like his most important client (even though as we left the next client was looking at bows that cost more than my daughter's violin). We left with a "beautiful sound" 2023 Hiroshi Kono violin that sounds as good as it looks. The only drawback to this wonderful store is the three hour drive to get there, and that's certainly not their fault. They have great service to ship what you need that we have also used. But to go in person to try violins and experience the first class service is worth the drive. Thank you, thank you, thank you! read more

Potter Violins - Instrument trial room - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Takoma Park, Maryland

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Great violin family shop. Unbeatable sales and service. Well worth the drive. Wide selection, all ages and skill levels.

I have had endless positive experiences working with Jim and the staff at Potters. I have purchased multiple fine instruments from this shop, have had hundreds of fantastic bow rehairs and always receive top notch customer service. Jim is extremely dedicated, patient and has a history of working with customers until just the right instrument is sought. Jerry's bow rehairs are the best and most consistent around. Rob is a gem when it comes to adjustments and instrument advice. He's also a fantastic violin maker. (Check out his fiddles!) I always leave more than satisfied. I consider this to be the best violin shop in the area hands down! read more

I always love coming here. It's so quaint/charming. I got my violin rental, sheet music, and CD from here. One day, I came back to have my violin repaired since the seam was opening up. They had it fixed by the next day. Make sure you know how your violin (and case) look like because they couldn't find mine for a long while. It ended up being right behind them on the shelf, behind the cash register LOL. They made me panic when they made it seem like they'd lost it. They kept looking everywhere for it. I had a feeling my violin was the one in the shelf without a case. Something told me it was mine, but they were so frantic that I decided to let them find it since I was sure they had a system for storing repaired violins. I was quite entertained that day lol. They have lots of violins for sale and rent, for different prices and leases. They have bows, shoulder rests, rosin, sheet music, CDs, sponges, and I think violas and cellos for sale and rent too. The building looked like an old but fancy white house, the parking lot is a bit tight but with enough spaces, and the business was near a fast food restaurant I think. I almost missed it when I first went looking for it. I don't remember a clear sign out front; maybe I'm wrong. Nice place, but customer service is a hit or miss. They don't usually smile. read more

They made my brothers Amati violin stop buzzing. Rob was great and very tuned in to my needs.

Premium products and services with customers' interest at heart. I have to say, this place is by far the best musical shop in the DMV area, I visited numerous shops and none can match. I bought my violin the same day I visited. Here's what happened and what you can expect. -Made an appointment -Arrived and parked out front (plenty of parking) -Rang the doorbell. I was greeted right away. -Washed my hands (It's not just about COVID, you should wash your hands every time you handle an instrument) right after I entered (Very clean restroom) -Showed me to a demo room, presented with 3 choices -Introduced and played all 3, wanted to hear more, so he brought a few more and very patiently presented all of them and some more comparison -Down to the last 2 choices, I couldn't decide, so he brought in a professional and I made the decision right away. (Very knowledgeable, and the pro gave me excellent analysis and suggestions) Prices were reasonable. Absolutely what I expected from a good instrument shop! I highly recommend this place to any/all musicians out there. P.s. They also have this program that you can trade in good condition instruments you bought here for any higher cost ones (once your skills require), with a $250 fee. Maybe the only thing I could suggest to this shop would be to walk your customers to the door after, it would be a perfect gesture for closure. read more

I came here with an appointment to get a violin bow as a gift for someone. I made the appointment online, filling out a form detailing exactly what I was planning on purchasing, for whom, and their experience with playing violin. The place is really nice - and huge. There are many practice rooms, showrooms, and a room for recitals. When I arrived, they seemed incredulous that I didn't bring a violin, which was super annoying.. I wrote out that form explaining why I was coming! I had to explain over and over again that it wasn't for me. The guy finally (after like no joke having to explain to him three times that it was a gift), understood and explained to me that a bow isn't a good gift because it's too personal. Why didn't the person I was emailing back and forth with explain that to me?? I ended up getting something else which is fine, but I thought this was too much nonsense to deal with for the amount of money I spent. read more

Horrific. They will charge you thousands for a "beautiful fine instrument" then when you go to sell it back years later, they talk it down and give you way less. Barely even a thousand (even with repairs is an exponential loss). THEN they will send you fake checks year later that they'll cancel after a week after you paid bills. (I thought the instrument sold well and that I was getting the rest of what I should have gotten for such a lovely instrument that I sold them. This company has wreaked havoc lately on my life and this is everyone's warning. They do not practice FAIR business and they are only nice because they want your money. Greed gets you in ONE place. Rot! read more

Potter Violins - Proof of terrible business. Sent me a check only to bounce it! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Takoma Park, Maryland

Potters is truly a magical place. The services, instruments, and team are unmatched. It is a DMV treasure. You must go if you're in the area. The new space is absolutely beautiful, completely redone, a masterpiece with fantastic art and lighting. I love my new violin! read more

Where else are you going to shop for a stringed orchestral instrument (Violin, viola, cello, bass)? Potter's used to be Weaver's in the day...this is really one of the very few shops in a fifty mile radius that deals in beginner to high end stringed orchestral instruments. Usually monopolies take advantage of customers, but I didn't get that feeling ever. Everyone seemed passionate and interested in their work. You can purchase or lease instruments, get your instrument repairs and supplies, buy sheet music here. I would not hesitate recommending this place to anyone. read more

Potter Violins - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Takoma Park, Maryland

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This business came highly recommended from my daughters violin instructor and it did not disappoint. I drove over an hour and a half to pic out a violin for lessons. They were very busy but I was promptly helped and on my way back home with a beautiful instrument. read more

THIS COMPANY DOESN'T HONOR THEIR PRICES ON TRIAL CONTRACTS!! We checked out 4 violins and 3 bows to try out for a week and show to the teacher for selections. The teacher didn't like any of the violins but selected a bow. Before we established the trial contract, the sales person asked if we were buying a case. We said no, we have a very nice case. So the store should know that it is not an outfit purchase. We went back to the store and wanted to buy the bow. The store staff didn't honor the price on the trial contract stating that the price was for outfit only. Which means we have to buy a violin and a violin case from them in order to get that price shown on the trial contract for the bow. The trial contract price of that bow was $1325, the retail price was $1560. There was no wording on the trial contract mentioning that the price was for outfit only. This store has many selections, but be aware being ripped off. Seriously! read more

I am a professional cellist living in philadelphia. I use Jim Kelly exclusively for all my fine instrument sales needs. I recently sold my cello thru his services and bought 2 very high quality bows with excellent provenance. Highly recommend his services to anyone in the business! read more

Great shop!!! Just bought a new bow and I love it. Jim Kelly is so knowledgeable and helpful. I tried 4 different bows and was given excellent information about each one and how each one would respond with my viola. He was 100 percent right about each bow. I also have my students rent their instruments from Potters and Derek is always so helpful and responsive to my students. I have never been disappointed with any of their instruments!! Their repair people are top notch. The bow re-hairs are always perfect and the instrument repairs are as well. The shop is gorgeous it's worth a trip to Potters!!!! read more

I have been a customer at Potter's for many years, as have my students. Rob Wood, repairman, has recently worked on both my concert violin and my teaching violin. He did fabulous work on both instruments, making them both sound better and play easier than they ever have. We are lucky to have a shop like this with quality instruments and quality professionals to maintain them. read more

The owner reached out to me to assure me my instrument on consignment was still being shown and even offered to waive the repair fee if I decide to request a return of my instrument. My fault for missing the update on Yelp, but thanks to Potter Violins reaching out with helpful support. read more

I called to ask if they could possibly place a violin soundpost as a walk in, and I already have the post. The tech person said yes OK to bring it in right now. When I arrived he had changed (boss was standing near) and it would take 3 weeks and cost 100 plus. I went online and found 10 or more websites with a better experience, plus nearby House of Musical Traditions which is half the price. read more

Quality instruments! The shop hires real musicians who really know their craft and can help make the best choice for such an expensive investment. The luthiers and repairmen are highly skilled. You can trust all your instrument rental, purchase and maintenance to them. read more

As a freelance musician and parent of a beginning violinist, I can say that I am always pleased with the professionals at Potters. The prices are reasonable and the quality of their rental instruments is exceptional compared to other businesses in the area. Their customer service has always been excellent when I come in. Their associates are some of the most knowledgeable and the luthiers are always willing to work with you on adjustments. David and Jim and Dalton have spent time above and beyond what is customary just to help me with the set up of my new viola. I would not hesitate to recommend Potters to musicians of any age or level. read more

We have been working with Potter's for three years now. When my son began cello lessons, we rented an instrument from a local shop, but the quality was so poor that we quickly returned it and went to Potter's instead. The instrument we rented from Potter's was excellent and their rental program was outstanding. When my son was ready for the next size, we were able to apply a portion of the rental fees to the purchase of a cello. Again, we were impressed with the service Potter's provided for us to choose an instrument and the quality options. When we needed a repair made to the instrument, we took it to Potter's and they made the necessary repair in a short amount of time (only 4 days, and over a weekend!) and for a very reasonable price. The people are knowledgeable and helpful. We have had nothing but positive experiences with The Potter Violin Company and I highly recommend them. read more

The first time I walked into the shop I found it to be a gem in Maryland as the staffs were genuinely nice and generous. However, I do not intend to go back to the shop again after the encounter with the owner, David. I will never do business again with such a person who is very rude to his customers and makes RACIST remarks at them. Let alone even think about the integrity of their business especially when it comes to selling violins. I was with my colleague and very much embarrassed by all this. read more

Potter's is one of the only stores I would ever let touch my instruments. I have a MasterTone viola, and, due to the construction, I only take it there. I have had minor repairs to my violin and viola over the years and they always do a beautiful job. I trust their opinions and their work. Why go anywhere else?! read more

I've had a few encounters with Potters over the years. I traded up as I grew up into bigger violins and eventually I purchased a full size violin from them. I remember very clearly that the sales person laid out a multitude of potential violins, ranging in price and quality, and then let me try each one. I was pretty young at the time, but I still remember how helpful the staff was at helping me pick a violin. I have been unspeakably happy with the violin that I bought from them, and they have always been kind and courteous when I come in for additional services. I will say that they can be a bit on the pricey side, but all in all I think it is worth the money. read more

Your thoughtful and quick reply motivates me to increase my rating by a star. Thanks for the response.

Best violin store in the area. The staff are so friendly and helpful and give good advice. We have been coming back for many years to get violin strings replaced and even purchased one of their great quality violins. This store should have more stars because it's great. read more

Absolutely the very best! Our relationship with Potter's began with an e-mail that I sent to them regarding purchasing a cello for our son. The response came from Louis within the hour, with detailed and very informative information. We then set up an appointment time to come to the shop and try out several cellos. From the time we arrived to the end of our appointment time, Louis was attentive, kind, supportive, and answered all of our questions. In addition, he welcomed questions that we had thought were very basic, and answered them completely. We never felt rushed. Louis made suggestions and let us take our time with each cello our son tried. We borrowed a cello that seemed to be a good fit for a week. During that week, we also visited another shop, did a significant amount of research on-line, and spoke to our cello teacher and another (long distance) shop. No other string shop compared either in quality, service, or customer support. We felt very comfortable returning to Potter's the next week to finalize our questions with Louis and purchase the cello. Louis went above and beyond to ensure that we were completely comfortable with our decision. He is an asset to Potter's, and we feel very fortunate to have worked with him. We look forward to continuing our relationship Potter's Violins. read more

George, Simon and Jim were all friendly, professional and knowledgeable. They worked with me to find a fine viola to suit my needs and playing style. The building is beautiful and the location convenient. I've been relying on Potter Violins for years to service my instruments, and would recommend them for students and professionals for both sales and service, you won't be disappointed! read more

Amazing selection of strings instruments! Very knowledgeable staff! Their policy on trade-up is amazing, so is their policy on rental credit for upper tier rental instruments. What you might find is that a sales person may expect you to make decision to buy on the same day for the instrument he recommends because someone else probably will buy it. I'm sure in my case the sales person was truthful but it did leave me feeling a bit pressured. read more

I visited to fix minor damages to my violin before My deployment to Afghanistan. They happily took it and made these minor fixes in a jiffy with no costs. I really appreciated their customer service and friendly gesture. 100/100 would return to this shop. read more

Potter Violins - Thanks for the fixes! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Takoma Park, Maryland

I bought my viola from Potter's violins 10 years ago, and it continues to serve me well and sound great, through undergrad at NEC and grad school, and now as a professional. I recently brought it back to Potter's violins to get it repaired (open seams, etc.) and they did great work but there was a wolf tone on the D string. I brought it back, and they fixed it free of charge, including shaving my soundpost and adjusting it. Now it sounds better than ever. I don't know anything about appraisals (per the other comments), but I would definitely recommend these guys to anyone who wants a good quality instrument/repair. read more

I am a local professional musician and I choose Potter Violin whenever I can. They have a good selection of products for all levels of player, price and quality. The staff consists of accomplished musicians, who are knowledgeable, skilled, and always professional. My family has have been assisted by this shop to buy instruments, sell instruments on consignment, and to help me search and find fine instruments around the country. I have also had good experience with their repair shop. Additionally, they are a great resource for my students, who often need to rent equipment and later purchase good stuff for a good price. They offer a wide selection of sheet music, teaching materials, strings, et al. Don't hesitate to vist the shop or call with a request or question. I recommend. read more

I was looking for a place to have a violin appraised, and old violin of which I had no clue as to its worth or pedigree. I called and made an appointment with Dalton, who was very nice on the phone. I arrived for my appraisal on a Saturday morning, and I was quickly greeted by the staff. Dalton performed an inspection of the violin, he told me what the violin was (and more importantly what it wasn't) and he answered all my questions. It was missing some strings when I brought it in, and without my asking, he brought the violin back out to me completely re-strung. The verbal appraisal was free, and he didn't charge me for the strings. I truly appreciate the exceptional service I received at this business today. Highly recommend this business! read more

This shop is highly regarded by professionals around the area. I am a professional woodwind player and am learning about string instruments through my daughter. I rented 1/2 and then 3/4 size violins from Potter's for my daughter for 18 months and was always very happy with the service - their high-end rentals are excellent. After 18 months we were ready to buy a full-size violin and had conveniently maxed out our rental credit ($810 after 18 month of rental) towards purchase. We had previously tried some better 3/4 violins and had a great experience (don't remember his name, but one of the main guys there on Saturdays) - he took all the time with us we needed to help us understand all elements of the instruments & bows in various price ranges. Outstanding service all around! Yesterday we purchased a full size violin, bow & case and had a wonderful experience working with Jim Kelly. We made an appointment and when we arrived they had a good selection of violins out for us to try (Violins in the $2000-3000 range, bows ranging up to $800). Jim got us started then left us alone to try them for awhile. The shop was very busy but Jim stopped in several times to check on our progress trying things out and always gave us his full attention - we were never rushed or pushed into any certain thing. We narrowed the violins down to a few and then Jim helped us pick the best one by playing each for us and giving his feedback on their playing qualities. Next the bow - Jim laid out a selection in several price ranges and again left us alone to try them. When he returned he again helped us fine tune our preferences and narrow it down to the best one for my daughter's needs, again playing each to demonstrate the differences. I expressed interest in stepping up to the next price level ($1200) but when my daughter played several and Jay played them for us he helped us conclude that for her ability level the step up in price was not really worth it. Huge props to Jim for not just trying to upsell us on more expensive equipment! This was much appreciated and speaks to his great professionalism and focus on helping the customer buy what is best for them. When purchasing the violin, bow and case all together we received a 10% discount on the case and 15% off on the bow along with a free shoulder rest & rosin. A great experience and I highly recommend Potter's. read more

I have been coming to The Potter Violin Company for over ten years now for my violin playing son and my other son who plays cello. We have rented and purchased instruments and accessories from them and at every point along the way, we have received no less than the best customer service possible. My violin playing son has special issues with his neck and Dalton spent a good deal of time working with my son to find the best chin and shoulder rest combination possible that would work for my son's physical challenges with his neck. He developed a great rapport with my son and I couldn't be more grateful. For my cello player, when selecting an instrument to rent, and later on to purchase, Louis couldn't have been more helpful. He even helped us tame a stubborn wolf tone and gave me a little primer on his to help my son with tuning. Again, like Dalton with my oldest son, Louis developed a great rapport with my son and made renting and purchasing a cello a very pleasant experience. I should note that our times with Dalton and with Louis were always on a Saturday when the shop is incredibly busy but never once did I feel we were rushed or given less attention because of the hectic and busy day. Even when waiting to be seen during our many times at the shop over the years, staff always acknowledged us with a greeting and a query as to how we could be helped. We couldn't ask for more from any company. In Potters we have always received the greatest instruments and customer service. Lastly, as firm believers in the importance of instrumental music in children's lives, we have always appreciated The Potter Violin Company's philanthropy and support of music education in our region, read more

So many good things to say about this place. During the holidays, I took in my beautiful heirloom violin -- I needed it brought back to life after years of neglect, but I was in a time crunch because I'm moving overseas. Potter's team of experts made the time for me, did all the repairs, offered excellent travel/storage advice and provided an appraisal I could present to the moving company for insurance purposes. I am so grateful for their in-depth knowledge and excellent customer service. Worth every penny. Highly recommend! read more

They were very helpful and they are so professional in their work. I have my luthier replace my strings and check my violin health. But it was prety expensive but i suggest. read more

Shlepped the kid's instrument for a quick repair that couldn't be done locally. Richard in the repair shop was great, was able to do the job while I waited. I would STRONGLY recommend, especially for those of us with LARGE instruments, that the signage be MUCH more clear as to which building is for which functions; after squinting at the sign outside the Highland Avenue building, it seemed that's where I should go, so hauled the bass up the steps in the rain only to find out that I'd need to haul it back out, down, around (choice of thru a parking lots or on a dug-up sidewalk), and into the OTHER building; I wish someone would have told me which building I needed when I called initially, but clear signage would have been very helpful. The vintage-look signs are adorable and all, but not what I needed as a first-time customer, with a bass, in the rain. read more

This is a great store. I asked to try out a Coda Bow and they send it to you for free on the next day, and I live in NYC! After a week, I bought the bow and they were able to split the bill too! They are so flexible with their schedules. I would definitely shop from The Potter Violin Company again. read more

I have been very pleased with the attentive and friendly service I received from the staff at Potters over the years. Highly recommended.