Awesome mom & pop shop that really cares for their customers; especially their youth clients. Old school customer service and will take care of you on the spot, read more

The best! Todd is so knowledgeable and engaging with the kids he rents out to. We've had a few years of wonderful experiences with Westbank.

they don't even want to rent/sell any of their instruments useless owner, Tom, unwilling to discuss any feature of his business even if customer is searching for an instrument. said they're "too small" which makes no sense "go somewhere else" was their advice. "can't give any advice because he is a cello player " read more

I had the pleasure of stopping by the Westbank String Shop a few days ago. As someone with extensive experience in music retail, I enjoy going to violin shops to play instruments and meet likeminded individuals. When I walked in, Todd (the owner), was helping a customer. I was immediately impressed with his thoughtful and dedicated customer service. After he was done helping his client, I had a wonderful lengthy conversation with Todd. He was extremely candid and open about his philosophy - customers (or clients as he likes to call them), come first! He was passionate about the fact that he didn't yield to teachers who size students with instruments that are too big to play. I understand how this can alienate some people who expect a shop to bend to a teachers whim, but I respect where Todd is coming from. It was apparent from our conversation that his concern is for the safety of the student first, and not the backlash that might come from a disgruntled teacher. It's a unique approach that means fewer students will be injured. His rent-to-own policy is very different from what I've seen, but it's extremely fair, and definitely benefits students who stick with music. I can also say that Todd very much knows what he is talking about. He has the training to back up his opinions. I've honestly never been to another violin shop that was so clearly dedicated to its customers. It's always hard to see with a cursory look, but Todd exuded customer dedication from the get go. Thank you for your candor and passion, Todd. It was wonderful to meet you! read more

Westbank String Shop - Very cool carving of a violin placed just outside the entrance. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Austin, Texas

I felt like I was in Italy, 16th century getting my Stradivari worked on. Well, OK, it was a cello, but Tom made me feel great about that instrument. Definitely going back again. True Austin musician shop for classical string instruments. read more

Westbank String Shop - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Austin, Texas

Great service! Was able to rent an instrument before a deadline. Todd and Scott were very accommodating and went above and beyond to ensure my daughter had what she needed. Thank you! read more

Very rude man. I rent two violins from him and will be canceling my contract this week. No need to have a monthly payment to be treated so disrespectfully in front of customers. If you are looking for professionalism and courtesy, definitely this is not the place. Plenty of violin shops in town. read more

I have had the pleasure of doing business at this store twice, once working with Nicole for a music book and once working with Todd when he looked over my instrument. Both times I was made to feel at home with no pressure as I shopped around. I cannot recommend this store enough if you have a stringed instrument, or are in need of one to rent/buy! read more

We recently went to Westbank String Shop to rent a cello for my son entering 6th grade. I can't remember the last time I've had such wonderful customer service. The owner was engaging and made a true effort to connect with my son. You can tell that he has worked with kids and knows how to encourage and talk to kids in a way that they will understand. It was also nice to go to a small, locally owned business. You definitely don't get the time, patience and care at the larger rental shops like you get here. read more

This shop is a wonderful gem. The man running the shop is patient and personable. We rented a violin for my daughter here and have had to resize it once as she's grown and it's always a pleasure to stop in at this quiet little oasis. read more

I am so glad we went here to get our child's first string instrument. The owner was warm, welcoming, and informative. He made the process easy and educational. He obviously cares a lot about the art and the art of customer service. I highly recommend this place!! read more

This place is amazing. My son's double bass fell and the neck snapped off in a really bad way. Dr Sloan went way above and beyond to not just bring it back to life, but make it better than it was with several nice improvements. All done very quickly and for a very affordable price! We'll be bringing all our future string business there for sure! read more

In the past I had been into Westbank String Shop for some work on one of my sons violins. It made a huge difference. I do not believe Phil's story as it just doesn't add up. Why would someone with their experience and ability give some student a hard time about some stickers and an E string.? It makes no sense. From what I saw, they are completely competent and rework a lot of instruments. There were two different people in and out during our visit who picked up basses who were thrilled with the work. Fixing something minor or major would be within their realm of everyday routine. The reason for our visit was we needed another violin and I went in to look. The selection was excellent and the guy was completely nice absolutely no pressure. He helped us select a few instruments and then let us take them home to try. They were both great instruments without all the posh hype and mark up that you usually encounter in a string shop. The owner went over and above and helped us take our time selecting a really nice instrument at a good price. read more

We went to Westbank String Shop for a violin rental (for private lessons). I'm so glad we found this place. The proprietors are friendly, knowledgable and thorough. They went out of there way to help us with a violin we brought in as well. Also, they have quality instruments at a competitive price and all the accessories and lesson books you need. We were pleasantly surprised after the review we read and glad we didn't pay attention to it. It's a great string shop and very convenient for south Austin. read more

I've been in business with this shop on and off for about 10 years. I have always been pleased. Dr. Sloan and his son who work in the shop are friendly and helpful as always and are willing to help you make things work. I recently visited there in search of a new bow and violin case combo for teaching lessons to young kids, and he was beyond helpful in finding affordable and durable options. I got the current viola I play with through this shop and I have been very please with it so far. He is a great resource. read more

Dr. Sloan is awesome! We are renting our son's cello from him, and he has held our hands through the very confusing world of first-time orchestra entry. He has provided service going above and beyond; I won't even share details of what he's doing to help us get a last-minute cello repair around the Thanksgiving holiday, because I'd hate to have someone running to him and saying, "But that Yelp review said you did such-and-such for so-and-so!" But I suspect this is just the regular course of business for him, giving incredibly personalized service the old-fashioned way. Thanks, Dr. Sloan! read more