Kennedy Violins

I am completely new to playing the violin, or any instrument for that matter. The staff was very knowledgable and friendly in guiding me through the process of picking a good violin to learn on.
I recommend coming here if looking for a violin to rent or buy.

As a new adult student of the violin, finding the right instrument is a daunting task. My instructor didn’t like the cheap violin I found online, and I only headed up to Kennedy Violins because they were open on a Monday when the local violin shop was not.
From first walking in the door, I knew I wanted to purchase an instrument here.
Everyone in the shop was very friendly, so I gave them my budget, and was shown a couple of different instruments in that price range. Listening to an experienced player try out the different instruments helped me determine which one I wanted, and they outfitted it nicely. My instructor likes the new fiddle, and I was pleased that I was able to find a good deal.
I returned later in the week, as the bow that came with it, had a slight flaw and I needed a different chin rest. No problem at all– new bow was found and rosined for me. They put a new chin rest on the fiddle and then helped me try a number of shoulder rests, finally deciding that the one I already had would work fine. The customer service was flawless, and prices are reasonable.
The time and attention I received from everyone there has been immensely helpful. The friendly service, knowledgable staff and great selection will keep me coming back. There was none of the attitude that sometimes is found at music/​instrument shops, and I felt that they all really wanted me to be happy with my new instrument– and I am! I can’t wait to gain some experience with the new fiddle and eventually be able to upgrade the bow and the violin. When I am ready for that, I will be going to Kennedy.

My 9 year-​old daughter has been playing a Luis Carpini G2 ½-​size made by Kennedy Violins for about six months now, and has had great complements on the quality and tone of this instrument from her instructors. One specific comment we received from her teacher was that it is difficult to find good quality scale-​intruments like this one («scaled» meaning not full size)., I’m a semi-​professional jazz guitarist, and though I violins aren’t my expertise, I would say that this instrument has terrific, warm tone and the quality of the workmanship appears to be excellent. The violin holds it’s tuning well and it’s very attractive. To me it appears to be the same or better quality than the Carlos Lamberti Sonata that we had prior to this. On top of that, the kit includes a heavy-​duty case and some extras, which we never got with past kits.
About my daughter, she is 9 years-​old and has been playing since she was 4. I would describe her as an intermediate player, Suzuki book 4, an plays in the Sacramento Youth Symphony beginner orchestra. As a mucisian myself, I try to get her an istrument that is equal to or better than her playing; i don’t want the instrument to hold her back.
FYI, Before going to Kennedy we had been buying and exchcanging instuments with with Shar Music or almost 5 years (sizes ¹⁄₁₆ to ¹⁄₈) up until this violin. I mainly has issues with Shar’s service and a recent change in their trade-​in policy. Shar has good products, but of Kennedy adds personal touch to their service. I’m sure we will be getting our next one from Kennedy once my daughter grows out of this one.

The folks over at Kennedy Violins are amazing! I went in with the perspective of purchasing a violin, but with not much knowledge about specific violins. Travis was extremely helpful in helping me figure out what is best for me.

What a wonderful concept Joel Kennedy has made a reality here at Kennedy Violins! Here is a quote from the «Meet the Owner» section on their Unilocal page:
«Kennedy Violins was started by a local Viola instructor who saw a need for his students to play on quality instruments without their parents having to break the bank to accomplish that. «
The prices are surprisingly affordable, while retaining the highest quality product possible. The knowledgeable staff members are extremely friendly and beyond helpful; super low on the snobbery scale. I was made to feel like a valued guest upon arrival, with a prompt and warm greeting.
I had visited another area dealer and had a less-​than optimal experience. If only they could see how a real establishment should be operated by visiting this place, I’m sure they would close their doors in shame and go into hiding.