how to buy
All the items in the shop can be purchased via PayPal, which will take all major credit or debit cards, even if you don't have a PayPal account. If you would prefer to pay for an instrument by cheque or bank transfer, please use the contact form to get in touch.
If you contact us before buying, and let us know your needs, what style of music you play, the intended use of the instrument and so on, we may be able to advise which instrument would suit you best.
Once you have paid, the instrument and/or other items will be sent to you by courier.
You will need to be in to sign for the package. If you're purchasing an instrument or bow, we then allow a trial period. As choosing an instrument is a very personal thing, we allow you 10 days to make up your mind about whether it's the right instrument for you, and if it isn't, you may return it to us, in the condition in which it was sold, for a full refund less postage costs.
Before returning an instrument to us you must contact us to arrange shipping, and for packing instructions.
All instruments are fully set up, fitted with Thomastik vision, d'addario zyex or other strings of a similar quality, and ready to play. All bows, if brand new, are rosined and played-in.
Of course if you want to try the instrument out you can make an appointment to visit our studio and try one or several instruments before making a decision. If you pick up the instrument in person, you can then of course pay cash for it if that suits you.
when you receive your instrument
When you receive your instrument, it is essential that you check that the soundpost is still in place.
If the soundpost has fallen over you will need to get it put back in place by a competent luthier before tuning the instrument to pitch. About one in 10 times we ship an instrument the soundpost comes loose, this is normal and cannot be prevented since putting the soundpost in tighter or glueing it ruins the tone of the instrument.
We cannot take any responsibility for a soundpost falling over as it is a normal risk of shipping stringed instruments and not a fault.
Assuming the soundpost is still in place, tune the instrument up to pitch, taking care that the bridge remains vertical. The flat side of the bridge, away from the pegs, should be perpendicular to the top of the instrument.
You have 10 calendar days from the day you receive the instrument in which to make up your mind whether to keep it. If you have any concerns about the performance or suitablity of the instrument please contact us as soon as you can, since many concerns can be overcome with adjustment or string choice.
If you make a decision before the 10 days are up, it helps us a lot to let us know earlier.