Sol Vista Violins

I have been renting a bass from James for several months now. To be perfectly honest, I don’t play the bass enough with groups or by myself to necessarily justify renting one. However, James has been amazing to work with. It is primarily because James is such a nice guy with fantastic customer service and wonderful quality instruments that I’ve found myself renting one from him. He’s been more than willing to give advice or information whenever needed and just genuinely seems like a stand up guy. I’ve ascertained both from him and from other reviewers on Unilocal that he helps schools and teachers out at pretty much any price range — which I think probably speaks to a passion for instruments and getting music into people’s hands. If you’re going to rent and instrument or get one repaired or if you’re just into music isn’t that the kind of person you’d want to work with?
A ++ for Sol Vista Violins.

James at sol vista violins has worked on my instruments for a number of yrs. I don’t trust anyone else except him working on my stuff. I gave my strat to work on which was a nightmare when it got to him and it turned out outstanding. I doubt any other luthier can do a job as good as this. He’s also straighten necks i have that were absolutely unplayable. Bring your stuff here you won’t be sorry.

2012 Review #310:
I’ve actually been a bit hesitant to write this review because it’s basically just one dude working out of his house, so I’m not about to post his address on the internet for all to see. However, he’s just too good not to praise publicly.
James, the owner at Sol Vista, is known in the local school district (s) for being *the guy* to take instruments to. He is the fastest, nicest, most accommodating repairman/​luthier I’ve ever met. James will come to my school (any of them, I work at 7), probably even my house, and pick up whatever instrument needs help. If it’s going to be expensive or unexpected, he’ll call me and give me my options before he does anything. Once, he called and said «well I couldn’t get ahold of you so instead of doing the $ 700 repair, I did the $ 60 repair.» It’s so hard to find someone whose focus is on customer service, and not on the price tag. James works within school budgets in a way I’ve never seen before. A perfect example: a student at a low SES school was negligent and damaged his instrument. The family couldn’t afford the rental fee let alone the repair. I told James the situation, knowing I would bill the school directly, and he told me he wouldn’t even charge me. I insisted that he get something for his time so he agreed to let me bill ½ the actual cost. At times where everyone is feeling the economic drain, it is just so uplifting to know that there are people who think about, well, people.
Besides repair, Sol Vista violins also sells handmade instruments made by James. I don’t own one nor have I played one, so I can’t speak to them. However, he also sells parts, supplies, and other gear and does so at incredible cost and with incredible efficiency. I’ve actually had repairs and supplies completed and delivered within 24 hours, and I never have to leave my classroom. If only Amazon could do that. If you own an instrument, especially a student model or less expensive instrument, and are looking for solid upkeep with incredible service and at an incredible price, James and Sol Vista will make sure that your instruments keep playing and you get to enjoy them for as long as possible.