After hearing so many recommendations for the Loft, we came here for a rental. The process was very smooth and easy. The rental application was easily completed online in advance, and a prompt email was sent that confirmed both that it had been received and that we could come in any time during business hours in order to pick it up. The email also included a link to a video for the "Care and Feeding of" the instrument, which was a great preview and informative for beginners. The shop itself is located in a historic building. We found nearby street parking and walked up. Once inside, it was hopping, and they were using a number system to efficiently serve all customers. The employee who assisted us was very friendly and knew exactly what to run through. Our player was measured, all supplies and tools were reviewed with us, rental details were reviewed, and all questions answered. Very pleasant experience. read more

Quality and was able to help me find something I needed and that was appropriate for my young violinist.

We have a double bass player in the family. We bought him a bass here when he was small, traded it in on a larger model, and then did the same thing again as he left for college. The Loft gave us the full amount we had paid both times for trades! Our latest model cost as much as a car, but their payment terms and quality are beyond reproach. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. Repairs and add-ons have also skillfully been done to the instrument here. If you have a classical or jazz strings player, send em here. Central Ohio has been well served by this business for ages, and they never fail to impress. Lofty ideals? Indeed. read more

I am a professional violinist and bought a new Bam violin case. I also have another bam case which the latch broke. They are able to order the part from the manufacturer and fix it. So i will use their repair service soon. The lady who helped me was very nice and helpful. Another lady named Jen was knowledgeable. read more

The Loft Violin Shop - Bam violin case - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

The Loft did a great job rehairing my bow. Looks good, makes the cello sound so much better! They cleaned up the stick really nicely too. Doesn't get any better than this. read more

They are always wonderful here! The Loft is perfect for instrument rental, music books, etc.

I am a child and the service was great learning the techniques for putting my bow away and the rosin to and how to put away is just great 5 stars read more

We've been renting an instrument and have been very happy. Anytime that you require minor maintenance they are able to fix things immediately. The counter person was knowledgeable and showed us how to attach a new string and she also tuned the instrument for us. read more

The Loft Violin Shop - Entry way. - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

If ever a company deserved six or more stars , this is surely one of them . I was in to get a shoulder rest for my daughters violin. It's a 15 dollar item. But the lady who helped us, who is undoubtedly an experienced violinist who Loves her work, endlessly helped my 9 year old try out three males in several sizes until she was sure my daughter had the right one for her comfort. Ans then she noticed that my daughter's bow was a bit short for her arm length and switched it out at no cost - as the violin in a rental from the store. Asked us to bring it in soon to adjust the bridge too at no charge. In the past I had to take a travel damaged Veena for a musician . They worked on it expertly overnight and glued and strapped and repaired it in time For the concert the best day . I couldn't thank them enough . A Veena is an Indian strong instrument akin to a sitar. Their store and service is a treasure for columbus and our music scene. read more

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I found their knowledge & service helpful. I brought my kids here to find the size of the instrument they needed. I found the rental contract easy & multiple payment options convenient. Not great parking options for this business but you can work with the options provided. read more

I recently purchased a cheap, used cello to learn how to play the instrument. Upon tuning it one day, the A string broke, so I followed a friend's recommendation and went to The Loft Violin Shop to get a replacement. When I walked into the store, I was greeted by an elderly man. I explained how I was new to learning the cello, so I purchased a cheap instrument on which to practice. I expected him to reply with something along the lines of, "How great that you're learning the cello! It's a personal favorite of mine. I'd love to help you out, and if you ever want to invest in a more reliable instrument, I'd be happy to oblige." The response I got, however, was completely different. Immediately, he handed me a sheet that listed ten different things that were wrong with my "cheap purchase." I acknowledged that I knew the instrument was not the best brand, but I didn't have the money to afford a new one or to rent one. Nevertheless, he continued to berate me. "This is all mystery wood. This will never hold up." "Mediocre strings are $250. Your instrument in total was almost worth that much, so there is no way this will sound good." "These pegs are flimsy and will always produce a weak tone." Comment after comment, I stood patiently waiting for him to install the string so I could leave, but he wasn't done lecturing me. Just after I finished paying, he handed me a sheet of prices and said, "When you decide to buy a real cello, call me." Sir, I get it. As a musician myself, I have played saxophone for going on twelve years now. I fully understand how my Amazon purchase of a soprano saxophone sounds nothing like my authentic Yamaha tenor. The difference is obvious. It was also obvious to invest in my own tenor after ten years of practice and not a year sooner. Additionally, as a small business owner (optometrist), I understand the need to sell your products to put food on your table. People purchase glasses from Warby Parker and Zeni Optical for much less than my products, but everyone knows online glasses are not nearly the same quality of glasses as what professionals offer. The point is not everyone has the financial ability to make such extravagant purchases, and as a small business owner, it is in your best interest to support whatever business you are able to garnish- not belittle our efforts with your abrasive demeanor. What I expected was a fellow musician who would be willing to invest in the future of music by supporting my passions and offer some helpful advice; instead, I received back-handed compliments and tongue-and-cheek respondes, masked in "friendly" customer service. To all future small business owners, take note. This interaction is exactly how NOT to talk to new customers. I will most certainly not be coming back. read more

I was visiting the area for a 10-day work trip, with a viola in tow for practice. A friend (violinist in Columbus Symphony) highly recommended that I visit The Loft Violin Shop. Brought my instrument in while I was at it, and they immediately noticed that the bridge and tail piece didn't seem quite right. Turned out the bridge was too high for my viola, so they shaved it down, as well as replacing the tail piece to match my instrument's size. I have been considering shopping for a larger viola, so I took the opportunity. They set aside for me 6 violas in my price range in the "viola room" upstairs and let me at it. I was accompanied by a former concert violinist who was also in town for the convention, and I sought out her advice. We narrowed the choices down to final 2. A beautiful 15" viola made right there in their shop, and a strong, 16.5" German viola. I couldn't quite make up my mind right away. So I returned to The Loft for the next several days, playing back and forth between the two for hours at a time! Everyone at The Loft were very friendly, courteous and helpful. A gentleman working the front desk took time to learn expressions and greetings in various languages. It was pleasant experience having him talk to me in Korean. On my last day in Columbus, I came to visit one more time. I brought in some friends with me to visit -- a 12-yrs old girl who's about to start learning to play her grandfather's violin, and her father. We were given a grand tour of the facility, including the workshop in the back where we got to see the crew getting ready for the new school year rush, as well as Italian masters working on fine instruments! By the way, I decided on the 16.5" German viola. Since I had to fly back to San Francisco, and I do not have a double-instrument case, they offered to ship my old viola for free (the gentleman communicated that in my native language, btw.) We had a great time. Thank you, everyone at The Loft! We will definitely be back next time we're visiting Columbus! read more

Oh! So you need a bow rehairing? Music lessons? New viola? Good company? LOFT VIOLIN SHOP. (Not just for violins). My viola has never sounded better, after getting a routine bow rehairing done. They have a neat payment plan if you're in the market for a new beginner/intermediate/advanced instrument, where you rent until you've paid off the balance of the instrument, and you can trade in your old instrument toward the payment of a new one. The employees are delightful individuals who have expert knowledge in their field. Bringing my viola in was like bringing a wand in to Ollivander's in Harry Potter, the way they sized up my viola. It was great! You can get all your instrument needs here, as well: strings, rosin, shoulder pads, you name it. read more

I have used the violin shop for years. They continue to offer great service. Whether you are new or a returning client, they always treat you with the best customer service. Allowing you to ask questions and always offering to provide help. They are a very tiny shop, with not a lot of room, but they have a great selection of anything you might need string instrument related. My only complaint is the parking. I always end up parking on the street to the left of the shop and just walking over. Not a real problem, but they don't have. A designated private lot, as they are located right on High Street. Definitely give them a try! read more

The staff here were super knowledgeable and helpful for learning about the different options available. They are also great at proving a list of teachers in the area. read more

Stopped by thinking I needed a different shoulder rest because of left shoulder and chest pain. With Alexander's help, I got a new chin rest, kept the same shoulder rest, and found a better way to hold the violin to avoid left shoulder pain. I'm very happy with my experience here and I highly recommend. read more

I bought my cello from The Loft in the early 90s. I can't imagine taking her anywhere else. The employees are kind, calm, honest, knowledgable, and friendly. Twice in recent history I have had to bring her in for repairs. I expected to pay a great deaI - and I could have - but the good people here were able repair her at a significantly lower cost. Thank you! read more

I love this place they were so nice and helpful, the place had a wonderful atmosphere. PLUS! They knew the difference between a Belgian Malinois and a German Shepherd lol I was sold! read more

Fabulous place. David has knowledgeable people working for him. Always patient, caring, helpful. Professional attitudes. We have had a family violin that was built in 1900 totally rebuilt there. It was cracked, needed a new soundpost, bridge and more. Better than new now, but still retains the mellow sound. Fair pricing. David is also a staunch supporter of the arts in Columbus. As a professional musician, and the parent of one, all of these things are critical. The Loft will steer you in the right direction. They will never supply low quality materials. The respect for music is too great. Love this place! read more

As a professional musician and studio music teacher, I recommend the Loft to EVERYONE...students needing to rent or purchase an instrument, string players needing a repair, whatever. Don't go anywhere else! read more

Last year, I bought myself a violin and decided to stop saying that I was going to learn and actually do it. The staff at The Violin Shop has been so incredibly awesome and helpful! They are patient and available and very, very knowledgeable. The shop itself is so cute and looks to have been an old house at one time. It has an air about it...very mysterious. They are a one-stop shop for repairs, advice, lesson information, supplies, etc. I am sure they service much more than simply violins so you should stop in sometime. read more

I have purchased 2 cellos from The Loft Violin Shop. I now live in FL and I flew back to OH to play in a wedding last weekend. Jim gave me a cello as a short term rental to use. Everyone was so accommodating. Thank you for making it such an enjoyable experience. read more

This is an amazing place. We brought our daughter here to purchase a violin. Their rental program is so great, we wound up renting. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, they helped her chose the perfect fit. They provide full service during the rental period. I highly recommend The Loft. read more

I got my violin here when I was 16 and still stop in whenever I can to pick up supplies (eg rosin, strings, etc.). The staff is helpful and friendly. read more

If you've ever had an interest in learning how to play any of the instruments in the violin family, a visit to this tiny little Beechwold shop is absolutely essential. After walking in with a dumbfounded look on my face, one of the girls behind the counter eagerly approached me and explained to me how the shop works, which is as such: for around $30 a month, you can rent yourself a violin or viola to learn how to play on, all of which goes towards the actual purchase of said instrument. All repairs on the instrument are covered during this time as well. Like I said before, this is an incredibly ideal situation if you're curious about playing a stringed instrument. I've always had an itch to get in to playing the viola, and although they don't offer lessons, they do make it easy enough by giving you a directory of local teachers in their easy to navigate website. I really couldn't imagine it getting much easier than this, that's for sure. Brace yourself, Yelper's, as you might just be reading the work of the next Andrew Bird or Yo Yo Ma! read more

The Loft Violin Shop - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Very helpful little shop. I've bought two basses here, and have had bow re-hairs done here as well. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Best place in Columbus for buying, renting, or repairing a string instrument. They are knowledgeable, honest, and fairly priced. Don't waste your time going anywhere else! read more

I rented a violin from here for about 6 months last year. The store itself looks like an dark, interesting old house. I found a similar shop in Atlanta when I went to visit my cousin and believe it or not, the shop owner over there had good words for this shop. The staff was very helpful when I called them with the questions that I had regarding the rental plan. The older guy at the front desk was chatty with the customers, especially their kids. They offer string replacement too if and when the strings do break.When I wanted to return the violin, the process was smooth. If I do want to rent one again, I will definetly go back here. read more

The building was a house at one time. Later, in the 1950's, there was a dentist on the second floor, Dr. Speer. On the first floor, there was a pediatrician's office, Dr. Kasmersky. (They were both my doctors, back then.) After the doctors moved out, it became a VFW for years. When the building changed hands again, the old gardens were torn out. I still have purple irises from that garden. I remember when, in the 1970's, David's older brother apprenticed with Joseph Ricker, Jr. downtown at Ricker's violin shop. I was pleased to see The Loft open up as Mr. Ricker got ready to retire. I have a violin, a viola, and a 5-string fiddle, (that was converted from a 4 to 5 string at The Loft). Nobody else touches my instruments. Everyone is helpful and friendly. They really know their trade! read more