Click here to download a PDF on the parts of the fiddle and bow, the names of the strings, and the accessories you'll want.
Violin Rental in NYC
If you're just starting out, I recommend renting over purchasing, because good fiddles can be pricey, and bad fiddles are everywhere. What's a good fiddle? One that sounds decent, stays in tune, and is free of structural problems (cracks, slipping pegs, warped or poorly carved bridges, fingerboards that need work, necks at the wrong angle, no sound post or a poorly fit one, etc. - you see, a lot can be wrong with it!). It's better to wait until you know a bit more.
Strings and Other Things
1995 Broadway, 6th Floor (67th/68th).
(212) 362-0857
Also accessories, repairs and bow re-hairs
New York Quality Strings
104th and West End Ave
(646) 543-5950
David Gage String Instruments
36 Walker St, New York, NY 10013
(212) 274-1322
Also sales, accessories, repairs.
Fiddles, Strings and Accessories
These online resources tend to be less pricey than shops in the city.
Concord Musical Supplies
Located in New Jersey. Fast service and great prices on strings and accessories including electronic tuners.
Johnson String Instruments
Located in Massachusetts. Great selection of instruments and accessories. Has an instrument rental program.
Shar Music
This online violin shop, based out of Michigan, has nearly everything at good prices. Has an instrument rental program.
I find this chart very useful in choosing what strings to buy.
Southwest Strings
Located in Arizona. Good prices on strings, accessories and instruments. Also has a rental program.
International Violin Company
Located in Baltimore, Maryland. You'll need to LOG IN to see prices on strings, instruments, bows, and cases, which are great. They also have all the tools of violin making. Want a sound post setter? This is where you go.
String Works
Sells good, reasonably priced instruments out of Wisconsin. Has an excellent rental program. Fast service.
Fiddlershop
A popular Florida based shop fulfilling the needs of fiddlers and violinists with good prices on fiddles, bows and accessories.
Repairs and Bow Re-Hairs
Your fiddle may need work, or your bow may need a re-hair. Here are few places you can take it.
David Segal Violins
74 W 68th St # 1C
New York, NY 10023
Phone:(212) 769-4559
Fine Instruments and repairs
David Bonsey Fine Violin Shop
250 W 54th St #601, New York, NY 10019
(646) 463-1792
Fine Instruments and Repairs
Salchow and Sons, Bowmakers
119 West 57th Street, Suite 1414, NY 10019
(212) 586-4805
Great bows and re-hairs.
Chin Yung Bowmaker
1841 Broadway, suite #604, New York, NY 10023
(212) 582-3626
For bow re-hairs, and bow repairs, Chin Yung is highly recommended.
Matthias Lehner Violins
46 W 65th Street, Garden Floor, New York, NY 10023
(212) 580-2158
Great for repairs, sound post adjustments, and re-hairs.
Lukas Violins
711 W End Ave, Apt 2 HN(220)
New York, NY 10025
646-479-7842
Instruments, repairs, adjustments and bow re-hairs
info@lukasviolins.com
Gregory Wylie Violin Maker
119 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 713-0027
Instruments, re-hairs, and repairs
Christopher Thorp Violins
Unit 129, 23-07 38th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
(646) 531 6233
Instruments, re-hairs, and repairs
Peter Lam Violins
67-48 173rd St, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365
(917) 775-1021
In Queens! Repairs, re-hairs and instruments