The other day, I was surprised to spot a brand-new guitar string on the floor of my house. My immediate thoughts: one of my housemates is either going to garrotte me, or is planning on learning the guitar. I hoped dearly for the former. Alas, this has been followed by hours of two young men attempting to learn the opening chords of Led Zepplin songs, despite my "No Stairway" signs about the house. I decided to visit Simply For Strings, partly because my housemates wanted to see if the place sold guitar-related stuff, partly because it's a quick walk from our house, and partly because the building looks beautiful. From the outside it looks like, and may well be, an old church. Inside it seems as though the church theory is confirmed - there are original stain-glass windows and other small signs - but it's been re-outfitted so that it now contains newer floorboards and white paint, making the interior with its high walls resemble a "local" art gallery or concert room. (By local, I mean the interior mimics the Red Hill/Paddington style of converting old buildings into funky, retro businesses.) As you walk inside, you're greeted by pure beauty. Honestly, I didn't know where to look first. I noticed a piano occupying a sturdy position in the corner, then my eyes ran across the selection of cellos, violins, violas, and double basses. Even those who don't play such instruments must admit that their construction is beautiful - pieces of art in their own right. There's also a lot of bright colours amongst the wooden instruments, including a splash of beautiful, brashly coloured music stands - and one brass stand with a harp-shaped top that looks like it came straight out of the 1800s, or Phantom of The opera, or bygone, magical times. I was struck to see a stage area, too. The store uses the stage for lessons - at present, Violin Technical Work Boot Camp is on for those already familiar with the violin and eager to improve their skills. I also imagine the stage is used for performances, but the pleasant male staff member (and perhaps co-owner) was busy and I felt guilty asking, knowing I wasn't intending to make a purchase. I scanned the Strings website and can't see any upcoming performances, however. Even if you don't play a stringed instrument, I recommend coming here - it's a visual delight, at the very least. And hey, I didn't notice any guitar sheet music for Deep Purple's Smoke On The Water, so that's an extra bonus! read more

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We were recommended to visit Simply for Strings by our teacher, and we're so glad we visited! The store is stunning - built inside an old church, everything is beautifully presented and it's like Harry Potter for string instruments. Our teacher recommended my daughter purchase a set of Obligato strings for her viola, and the staff were very accommodating in letting her try Obligato strings on a store viola first so we could get a better idea about how they sound. They even put them on her own instrument for free! They have a beautiful sheet music library packed to the brim with books, so it looks like you'd be able to find everything you need under the one roof. Safe to say we'll be back soon! read more

We were recommended Simply for Strings by a friend, and were very glad that we went. First of all, it is an amazing looking shop. Built inside a refurbished church building, with a spectacular view of Brisbane from the stage area. We went to buy a half size violin for my son. We were shown the cheaper end of the scale and the moderate range (we gave them our desired budget). We were thinking that we would buy the more expensive one, but the sales assistant recommend that we wait to make a more informed choice, as she would order in another more popular make that was priced between the three we were looking at. They currently did not have it in stock, but were expecting some in shortly. The staff all seem to have string skills, and this is of course most useful for seeing how the instruments sound when you are a novice. Plus, they have their own experience with the various makes of instruments. It took less than a week for the other violin came in, and we had the opportunity to make a more informed choice today. Glad we did, as her recommendation really was excellent. The store also has a great gift ware range for the passionate musician in your family, or amongst your friends. Highly recommended, and we will be back for all sorts of the extras that go along with violin playing. read more

I was looking around for a place to buy some strings for a violin I am restoring and came across Simply For Strings online. I didn't have the time to visit in person so I started the ordering process online. Loved the layout and overall presentation of the Website and the structured and easy flow ordering format. I paid by Credit card and received detailed confirmation Emails at each stage of the process with secure credit transaction details etc. Superb Website and layout. Goods arrived super fast the next day in a beautiful envelope, which provided great protection, and was beautifully adorned with company logo stickers and gorgeous red closure string. Inside the envelope was a folded copy of the receipt - folded neatly with red backing along with a lovely coaster sized thankyou card, printed on both sides. A quote from Plato 'Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything'. Simply For Strings are a business which ooze professionalism and beauty, right down to their stationery! I wouldn't hesitate to use them again for online purchase and although I have not visited their business in person, I am sure the quality of their service would extend right through the business and the other products they offer. Thankyou Simply For Strings. read more