The Violin Shop

Information may not be reliable

We carry all available sizes of violins, violas and cellos, bows & accessories.
by appointment 858-909-0319

for the discriminating musician.
Whether you are looking for a first-time purchase or upgrading,we offer an ever-expanding line of instruments, bows and accessories. Keep in mind when you purchase an instrument through The Violin Shop our continued maintenance and repair service stays with you and your instruments!

Paula Simmons & Kevin Smith opened the doors to The Violin Shop in June of 2006 with the commitment to offer students, teachers, and professional musicians a full service string shop that guarantees the highest level of quality in both product and service. They both look forward to working with you.
We work by appointment to insure that we can meet each client's needs to the best of our ability with undivided attention. When contacting us for Saturday appointments, please ask for the entry code to the building.
To schedule an appointment, contact us by Phone:

Learning to play a stringed instrument is a challenging endeavor. Quality instruments with the correct setup will make a substantial difference in a beginners ability to develop strong fundamental technique.
With this in mind, Kevin has written a series of articles about stringed instruments. He understands that for the musician, it is all about the sound of their instrument. If you are considering purchasing an instrument for yourself or your child, take a moment to read his articles.
Read About Understanding Sound

Special note to Teachers
Whether you are a classroom teacher or a private instructor we want to help you maximize your teaching efforts, by placing the best possible instrument in your students hands. Our set-ups start your student off with a better sound. We have instruments for sale and we have programs for upgrading and renting instruments. Additionally, we stock bows, cases, strings and other accessories. Come in and meet us, or feel free to call at your convenience, we want to work with you!

Strings are expensive, no getting around it.
Odds are you've checked out a few of the on-line string sellers and have purchased strings from them. But there are times when it simply isn't convenient, or even wise.For instance, if you have difficulty putting strings on yourself, you can buy them from us and Kevin will professionally install them without charge. So in an effort to balance the need of having them in your hands now and better pricing, we're taking 25% off all our strings all the time. And if you decide to buy them online anyway, here are some tips that might help...

Avoid bridge and soundpost collapse by changing strings one at a time.

Increase string and bridge life by putting pencil lead in the string grooves once the old one is off.

When possible, wind the string on the peg once or twice and then crossover the top of the windings, finishing with the string exiting the peg from the peg-head side (make the windings lay evenly one next to the other).

To avoid string breakage never wind the string all the way to the peg box wall where it can get pinched off.

For the health of your bridge and instrument, constantly check the bridge to make sure it's standing straight. Maintain the bridge position as you go and it will be easier.