I forgot to ask for the ladies name, but she helped me with my violin and it's restringing on the spot. She was really sweet and very helpful + direct. Would recommend! read more

The staff is welcoming and very friendly. They answered all of my questions and didn't rush me. Nice.

Connie is a queen, this place has amazing service, wisdom, and instruments. Great for lessons, repairs, and instrument sales!

Excellent service! Explained things well, quick response, very knowledgeable, excellent service overall! Recommend to everyone

We started to know this store when our daughter took Cello lessons there. It doesn't look like untraditional instrument store where you'd expect expensive violins or cellos so I never asked about price, not until we needed to change the tailpiece. Jason is so passionate about the work, he was a bit hesitated because of the schedule and then decided to do us a favor and fix it nice and neat, and it is really cheap. He started to talk about all different techniques and details about repairing. A truly someone who dedicates himself to this artwork. Not to mention, another normal day I was asking about my dusty violin, Jason seems that he just couldn't stand to see it and grab it to clean and fix it for me, for free! I was very impressed by his passion. Connie is kind and full of laughter. Nori is nice and plays every instrument so well. I think this store is just full of musicians, who truly love the strings work. If you ever wonder, go check this store and ask questions, they will never get bored for beginner questions. p.s. they have really great teachers there, go ask them! read more

This is a long overdue review. I had a musician "emergency" - I needed a pickup for my instrument asap as I had a show in a nearby city within the hour. I called Sono and went into the shop minutes later - they set me up with exactly what I needed, and the staff was absolutely amazing. Friendly, professional, and fast. The concert ended up being great - a result which wouldn't have been possible without their team! read more

Given the wall I've hit with my current cello, I needed to find a new and a better one. This place was recommended by my teacher from Opus1, Eliott, and as soon as we walked in, it was such an amazing experience! Abraham was so knowledgeable, friendly, and brought out a ray of cellos ranging from all price ranges just so I can get a good feel for it. The staff were all so patient and friendly with us throughout the process! What I ultimately decided was to rent a cello (3mos minimum & 8mo minimum until you're able to apply the credits to own) in the hopes of purchasing one soon! I'm glad to be taking this journey of upgrading my cello with ease due to Sono Strings! Thank you so much!! read more

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If you're looking for a string instrument, or to get work done, this is where you should go. I'm a professional pianist but also play basic cello. I decided to upgrade to a nicer instrument and the team at Sono was absolutely great. Abraham, Connie, and Jason were all very friendly, approachable, and helped with every question I threw at them. I think shopping for an instrument that has so much work and detail invested in it can make it easy to be intimidated. But Abraham helped with several cellos in my price range and gave friendly encouragement along the way. I'm grateful for all his assistance and knowledge. Thank you, to everyone at Sono! You've been a wonderful help! I couldn't recommend anyone more. read more

Sono Strings - Cello - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Mountain View, California

My violin had become increasingly hard to play: some pits and grooves had been worn into the fingerboard, the bow was missing ¼ of its hair, the thumb grip on the bow was worn through and my A-string was unwinding. Finally, I had to bring it in for service. Connie made the bow look new again ... she replaced the thumb grip with matching goat skin and the new hair was perfectly straight and even and it now plays with a smooth even bite. The Luthier, Jason, replaned my existing fingerboard saving me a replacement. He asked about my playing style (old time & bluegrass) and recommended a recently developed string that worked great with my violin and has a full resonant sound that improved my high notes. He also optimized my bridge profile to make it easier to play and cross strings at speed for free. Sono's friendly and knowledgeable staff know how to get your instrument playing its best and they only charge you for what you need. read more

Excellent collection of violins. Bought a handmade violin from them which was well worth the price!

Jason is extremely friendly and reliable - he took the time to answer my concerns about a cello I bought, and was great at conveying his professional opinion. He was very thorough with answering my concerns, and I appreciate his demeanor, professionalism, and solicitude. If you're reading this Jason, I'll bring that cello in (if I take delivery), and take you out for food! read more

Jason is incredible! We were in a bind--we had a lender violin from our school that someone had glued the bridge to, and were looking at spending $1K minimum to replace the violin. Jason was able to fix the problem for us for substantially less! We are so grateful, and look forward to continuing to use Sono Strings for our future violin and cello needs :) read more

I feel this review is loooong overdue. I was looking for a cello as beginner in August and visited this place twice. The first time I came alone. Abraham showed me a few cellos and played all of them for me. He also gave me a short lesson about the posture and how to play the scale as I decided to try myself a bit. A few days later I came with my professional cello friend. They had a very good discussion on all the cellos and the Luthier was making some adjustment on one cello knowing the need. We didn't end up buying here for other personal reasons. But they have great selections for sure! This is a very cozy place and all the staffs are very friendly and knowledgeable. If you need any string instrument, definitely check out this place! read more

I recently visited Sono Strings as I was in need of a rental cello for an event. Coming from out of town, I wasn't familiar with the stringed instrument stores in the Mountain View/Sunnyvale/Cupertino area. I decided to visit Sono Strings based on their good reviews and needless to say they certainly lived up to their high reviews. I found the team at Sono Strings to be very friendly, professional and helpful. They were accommodating of my needs and provided excellent customer service and insight. They were all very personable and you could tell that they are truly a customer-centered business. To top it off, they provide great instruments and the luthier has done a great job with preparing the instruments. It's refreshing to see music stores like this still around and I truly wish this business the best. I hope to visit Sono Strings if I return back to the area and appreciate all that they do for the community. read more

Staff was rude and condescending. I was trying to support a local music business by making purchases here, but it was a waste of my time. As another reviewer has mentioned, come here if you want to have someone talk to you condescendingly and display an utter lack of knowledge about violins or customer service. I will be taking my business elsewhere. The description shows they need help with grammar as well: "Sono Strings specializes in Violin's, Viola's, Cello's...." This made me actually laugh out loud! The tagline of this business should be 'Speak condescendingly and carry a tiny stick'. read more

Sono Strings - Store needs a proof-reader or a lesson in grammar - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Mountain View, California

Really great experience. I had a friend from overseas looking for a fiddle, and they were super patient. Spent time educating us on what makes violins different, bows, etc. He played several, and we wrote down the information for a future purchase. It's good to be focused and local, and these folks are that and fair! read more

E-mailed Sono Strings last week asking if they have any 7/8 size cellos to rent. Received reply right away and I was able to schedule a time the following week to come in to check out their 7/8 cellos as rentals. Came in this morning and Creative Director/Cello Instructor Abraham assisted us. He was wonderful! He gave us two 7/8 cellos to try and gave me pointers on how to tune my cello and other advises since I am an adult learning to play. Sono was fine with me bringing in my own bows and some music to play as I tried out both cellos. We eventually rented a 7/8. It was really refreshing to received such wonderful customer service. I felt that Abraham really cared about me as a beginning cello student in giving me helpful advice and making sure we understood the policy of buying a cello from them. Thank U Abraham! We live in San Jose but such great customer service, we will be giving our business to Sono Strings. read more

I went here to get some adjustment for my cello. I was originally told that it will take about 3-5 business days but I got a call in that afternoon that I can pick up the instrument. After the adjustment, my cheap cello sounds way better than before and it was worth every penny. Service is quick and very nice, and I got good explanation of what will be done and why it needs to be done. I chose this store because of the google and yelp reviews and I wanted to leave my review as well. It was great experience and I will visit here next time as well. read more

I came in looking for a cello case and the staff were all incredibly caring and knowledgeable about the instruments. I received some amazing customer service and they helped me pick out new strings for my cello. I even got some touch ups on the paint on the cello for free, and I could tell these people care about their customers. Highly recommend! read more

Bad quality violin!!!! We rented a 1/8 violin but wanted to cancel our 3-month contract the same day we rented due to violin quality issue (black paint all over my child's fingers with strong chemical smells on the surface of the strings and the string board, never happened on her own violins we bought before). But the Asian female staff there refused to give me the deposit back, we ended up giving back the violin and paying over $90 without playing for a single day!! She was also angry that we have rented another violin from elsewhere without going to them first. But we are very disappointed with the quality and do not want to bother exchanging for another one. And she kept asking for my current address and also read aloud my address from my driver's license copy she has on file as if to threaten me!? Horrible experience!! This female staff also refused to give me information of the owner and insisted that she contact the owner directly and told me in a condescending tone that she would NOT give me a call if the owner refused to give me back my deposit. I only went there for repair and possible rental because of the good impression of an Asian male technician staff we met there a year ago. He happened to be on vacation until July that's why we decided to rent instead of repair. So disappointed for the violin quality and their overall attitude!! read more

Connie at Sono Strings saw our predicament right away, and rather than put us through the ringer, she found a way to make our lives even easier through her professional care, the amazing luthier on staff, and safety precautions from start to finish. From now on we are only working with Sono Strings in the Bay Area. They are true professionals. On behalf of a world-wide artist community, all struggling to get back to performance, we thank you Sono Strings! Tina and Andy read more

One of the nicest experiences ever! Left with a violin for my granddaughter. Open when all others were not. Thanks! read more

Sono Strings - Getting the hang of the instrument. - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Mountain View, California

I continue to enjoy working with the friendly staff at Sono Strings. I take weekly lessons and have purchased a case for my viola as well as a violin shoulder rest. Connie observed that the hair on my bow looked like it would benefit from a bow wash. I had Sono Strings perform the bow wash and now it's as if I just received a rehair at half of the price! I have since given them other bows to wash the hair. I enjoy seeing the staff on a weekly basis and will bring my instruments to them when they need service. Sono Strings has been a great find in the Mountain View area! read more

Great place for cello rentals, and the staff is incredibly friendly and considerate. Would highly recommend!

Cony Tsai and her team did us a solid! My wife and I were looking for a violin for our 20 year old son. Our son's music teacher recommended Sono and Cony in particular. We received friendly super useful advice and help. Although Cony offered us the option of renting, which has its own benefits, we ended up purchasing a beautiful violin with case and bow, all ready for our son. Cony and her team listened, were very friendly and helpful. There was no pressure at all. Just friendly advice and options for us to choose from. I highly recommend Sono Strings. read more

Great place for instruments. We have purchased and fixed our string (violin and cello) at Sono and all experiences have been very positive. Appreciate the friendly and professional staff, would strongly recommend! read more

I love this place and the people!! The service and vibes here are immaculate. My cello bow was cleaned and repaired within the time frame they provided and they also gave me great tips on how to maintain/clean my cello. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

We have been coming here to rent my daughter's violin and moving up in size. The service is great and everyone is very knowledgeable.

Great staff and very knowledgeable. If you're looking for a place to take your kids to buy their first instrument or looking to get lessons, I would definitely recommend this place. The staff were super sweet to my young one! read more

My son needed to change the strings on his violin. No store around the neighborhood carried the specific brand except Sono, and the purchase of the strings and replacement fee was a great deal considering everything. Once at store, they carefully went over the violin with us and explained what and how they were going to replace the strings, how to take care of the instrument and bow, and pointed out a couple of concerning issues (soundboard and bridge issues that I had suspected) and took care of them. It was helpful because over the pandemic, the violin has been neglected. Sono Strings was fast but thorough, kind and resourceful. Would definitely recommend! read more

Sono helped us out in a pinch when we brought in our violin that we were selling but needed a quick repair. We also appreciated their recommendations on best practices for shipping it, and the complimentary box they provided for us to ship the violin. Great customer service! read more

My 5 year daughter's 1/8 violin dropped on the floor last weekend. The sound post looses. I went to the other store first and was told it cost $50 to replace the post. This is a second hand 1/8 violin and I spent about 50 bucks. Too expensive to add the post in. Then I called Sono strings. They told me they would put it back for free. So I went there and got the sound post fixed. Feel awkward not to pay for the labor. So I spend another 27ish to replace all the strings. Glad that I called Sono strings. Strongly recommend this store for violin players. Reliable and professional! read more

Sono strings is an awesome place. My son (6y) has been taking violin lessons for a year now and he loves it. There is a great atmosphere in the shop and Connie always has a kind word to encourage the kids in their learning. The whole staff is outstanding with instruments, and always have some good advice for maintenance. The teachers are amazing - very kind and extremely talentful. This is a motivation for the kids (and their parents...) to learn music, but in general an aspiration in life to tend to perfection in everything. A great example. I unconditionally recommend Sono Strings to anyone interested in learning a string instruments. read more

I suddenly decided to learn the violin, so without knowing anything, bought an Internet violin. Discovered I needed some other stuff--fresh rosin, a shoulder rest. Brought the violin to Sono, and the woman behind the counter was fantastically condescending about the instrument I'd bought, without being terribly helpful. Condescending to someone who admits to being an ignorant beginner is really, really unpleasant. By contrast, after a couple months of practice I brought Violin #1 to Heaney Violins, across the street, and they were SUPER nice and helpful, explaining what the problems are with the low-grade violins, without once snickering as though I should have known better. I walked out with a better violin and actually having learned stuff. Sono is not only not the only game in town, they're not even the only game in the surrounding 10 miles. There's no reason for me to ever go back. read more

I highly recommend Sono Strings if you are looking to buy or rent an instrument. I went to two other shops and they by far had the best customer service and quality of instruments. I went there to rent a cello and Jason was very knowledgeable and really took the time to answer my questions. The rental process was also super easy and their rates are very reasonable. read more

I've been self-learning the violin for about 4 months, and because of the pandemic, haven't been able to find a local luthier to be sure my Yamaha beginner violin - which I bought online and was delivered with the bridge off - was set up properly. Today, I decided to bring my violin to a luthier in Palo Alto, but the shop was actually closed. I called Griffin Strings, which unfortunately does not do violins - but they recommended Sono Strings. They allowed me to bring my violin in (it was a bit early but I was getting fatigued not finding anyone and was out already). They are so nice!!!!!! They fixed my bridge and adjusted the pegs so they don't slip so much. I am definitely coming back - it's a drive to Mountain View, but totally worth it! Highly recommended!!! read more

Friendly, professional service. Abraham explained a few things about the violin I brought in. No charge for what I needed. Visit, you won't be disappointed read more

Genuinely kind and fantastic customer service. Went out of their way to help me with a last minute need. I highly suggest coming here without any hesitation. More intimate vs going to a big box retailer. Thanks again! read more

Good people! Staff helpful, luthier good & helpful, smooth rental process & good rates. Moved out of state or would still be renting from them. read more

Friendly staff, open floor in the show room and quick turn around on repairs and service! They have quite a selection of instruments for being a smaller shop. The instructors here are not moody, but have great attitudes. A good sign that they are being treated well by the store! Best string shop on the Peninsula, easily. read more