House of Note

We’ve spent over $ 2400 in rental fees over six year period. I called to see if they would waive 2 months because my husband is out of work with no income due to a cancerous tumor. NOPE! No can do. Not a thing except to offer me a used violin to purchase for $ 400. I just said we had no income. Strange place.

My violin was purchased here in 2005 and I’ve been coming to House of Note since then for repairs, cleanings and bow rehairs. The staff can be reserved but is always very accommodating to me. I think it helps that I’m a music educator and already know what I’m talking about when I come in. Paul Dahlen (a wonderful fiddler in town) repairs my violin and I always love his work and craftsmanship.

I initially was extremely impressed with the lady who answered the phone– she seemed intelligent — she knew procedures etc — I quickly became irritated during the call she asked who would be coming in I told her it would be my kid. She asked her age. Once she found out how old she was she then informed me she would only be allowed to see certain cellos. I’m like what happened to x y and z she said is not old enough to have them unless you buy it out right– I’m like what!!! My daughter has been in cello less than 3 years and is already playing book 5 Suzuki and she plays Bach suite 1 — She made me so incredibly angry I could not even get passed driving the hour plus to look at the 1 cello that she would be allowed to see ((if you don’t know this place will gather the «correct» cellos for you. «I even contacted a professor from Mankato to help look for a cello for my daughter I told him I contacted places in the cities and was met with rude individuals — he knew Instantly I was referring to this place and this person who answers the phones. If you can get passed attitude and rudeness they may be able to help — I would rather deal with a company that I can trust to keep me as a life long cello buyer — unbelievable — family owned is not always friendly family owned

To all, you must keep in mind this is a lost art. Many in arts are eccentric and reserved. I have now purchased two violins for my Daughter. Although she is still a beginner at 9yr s old, she has a good ear after 3 years of playing. I find that with patience and respect we have had a very favorable experience at House of Note. They have treated my daughter with respect and helped guide us in our purchases. Thanks to the Bulgarian ;) who helped us upgrade to a very fine Violin. My daughter feels proud to play this new violin. you helped guide us in the right direction. And for the record he felt the less expensive violin sounded best to him… we will be back again for our next upgrade.

I agree with the other reviewers– the people who work here are rude as hell. Go somewhere else.
The first time I went there, the older gentleman was very rude and condescending. I think he treats minorities worse because when a white family walked in, his tone and demeanor changed completely. In fact, he stopped helping me and turned his attention to them, while I was still standing there.
Another time I went there, I interacted with the older lady and she was just as horrible. She yanked the instrument case from me because she said I did not unzip it properly. Then she announced to other employees in the store how I did not know how to take care of my instrument. They laughed! I was just shocked and embarrassed. Who treats their customers like that?
There was only one time when I was treated normal and that was by the younger lady. She doesn’t typically work the counter but it was busy so she stepped in to help. She was actually very nice. They should have her working the counter all the time, only one who knows how to talk to customers without being a total jerk and coming across as a racist.
I hate hate hate going to this store and would not recommend any minorities to go there. The minute my contract is done, I am done with this place.

I’ve been a customer for over 15 years now and have always been happy with both the service and the people I have worked with. I’ve rented instruments, purchased bows, had my current violin repaired and refurbished and purchased any number of smaller things and have always been satisfied (or more).
We just today rented my son’s first violin, a ¹⁄₁₆ size instrument. The sales person was extremely helpful while we looked for an instrument and walked us through how their rental program works. We walked out satisfied both with the instrument and with the entire experience.
Our son was even able to go in back and take a look at the workshop. They were all extremely nice and had everything we needed.
I will continue to use House of Note as my primary store for all of my string instrument needs … even with the two hour drive to get there.