The Violin Shop

The Violin Shop came highly recommended, and even though this is the first time my daughter is picking up a musical instrument, they were professional, patient and so kind with her. They found her a little cello to fit her little self and Kevin sat with her and showed her how to hold the bow, how to sit, and how to play a chord. Paula was sweet as can be and I’m so happy we found this place!

I needed to get the tuning pegs replaced on my cello and ended up taking it to The Violin Shop. Kevin was incredibly knowledgable and got everything done on the agreed upon timeline. He also ended up having to do extra work to ensure that the pegs fit and worked properly. He was extremely professional and didn’t charge me extra but stuck to the original quote he gave me. I couldn’t be happier with the work he did and will continue to take me cello here for any future repairs.

My brother is very happy with his cello and beautiful cello case. Paula is great and very professional. I wasn’t playing my violin anymore and couple of years later Paula let me trade mine in and pay the difference for a new cello for my little brother. The shop is very nice and clean. Definitely coming back since we need a new bow.

I finally had a break between rehearsals and was able to get my bow in for a re-​hair. Paula was very helpful, and was able to ask Kevin additional questions that I had. Note: you have to make an appointment. It’s not just a drop in kind of place. I’m looking forward to having Kevin work on Grandpa’s viola for me.

First the good news. Last year I urgently needed a new set of violin strings and was disturbed to find that the only brand available from the local dealers I knew was Dominant (not a particularly good choice). Then I discovered The Violin Shop, which happened to be within walking distance of my place of employment. They did carry the strings I needed! I enjoyed going in there and seeing the workshop. (If it were possible to start over again in life I’d consider being a luthier.)
The bad news: Those strings easily cost twice what I would have paid online, say from Shar. But, yes, there was the convenience factor.
This year I returned because my son needed extension legs for his shoulder rest. The Violin Shop carried those as well. OK, the fact that they have such things is a definite plus, and cannot be taken for granted. But for this small purchase (we’re talking about two machine screws with rubber feet) I was charged $ 35 — vs about $ 10 plus shipping at Shar’s website.
Shar has gotten all my subsequent business.
Now, I know nothing about the economics of running a shop like this. Maybe it’s necessary to overcharge on small items to stay in business, as opposed to building goodwill among potential future purchasers of high-​ticket items. And I don’t doubt that someone buying an instrument might be very pleased with The Violin Shop. However, my experience illustrates the reason brick-​and-​mortar businesses are being supplanted by online competition.

San Diego is fortunate to have this shop available to the many string players — professionals and students. Luthier, Kevin Smith, is highly intelligent, warm, and kind about his service. For all this, be certain to make an appointment before visiting. If you have an old instrument you want brought back to life, you will need Kevin’s astute workmnship. Kevin Smith and Paula Simmons, owners, will provide the best instrument service you can hope for in San Diego. They have excellent instrument rental rates — this is important to parents with kids. Violins, violas, cellos, and basses — a wonderful selection. I play the cello; Kevin knows how to tweak my instrument for my ear. How special is that !!! This shop is the best!
Dotty B.

I don’t know much about violin, but my son loves it. We started with a cheap local rental, but needed to get a better instrument. I researched quite a bit online and most people advised me to find a good local shop instead of buying one online.
After searching locally, I decided to call and set up an appointment with the violin shop.
This place is amazing. My questions were answered before I even asked. The customer service was comfortably awesome. Not only did Paula take her time in helping us find the right fit for him, she also gave us quite a bit of pointers on what to look for when getting a new instrument.
She brought three different sizes and models for us to try. My son loved his selection and was really happy with the whole process. We must have been there for an hour and never felt rushed. I felt like it was an amazing private consultation.
After that she also watched him play and gave him advice (freebie private lesson). I’m not sure if she normally does this, but we appreciated it immensely.
To top it off, she gave us a great recommendation for a teacher in order to further his violin skills.
Don’t bother wasting time searching online or visiting any other place. This place is the place to go if you want an instrument or have questions regarding violin instruction in San Diego. I wish I could give it 10 stars, but Unilocal is limited to 5.

Seriously, I love this place! It has a cute, privately-​owned feel and the customer service is amazing. The prices are incredibly cheap compared to big time instrument repair places and the wait time here is like ¼ the wait time at those other places.
Kevin, the guy who fixes the instruments, has been doing this for like 30 or 40 years and he is SO knowledgeable. If you have a broken string, he will fix it on the spot. Other repairs might take a few days or a week, compared to a month with other places.
I can’t say anything bad about this place– I had a couple of extraordinary experiences here and I will definitely be a life-​time customer.
Broken string instrument? Take it to The Violin Shop!