Getting started
My child is starting lessons—what does he or she need?
Please discuss things with your teacher, or if you are looking for a teacher, we have a list of teachers to recommend. Generally, it would help if you had a music book, notebook, shoulder rest, endpin stop for cello, rosin, cleaning cloth, extra set of strings, etc.
Do I need an appointment to try out the instrument?
No, you can just come in during our shop hours. If you want to go in other than our shop hours, contact us. We are very flexible. You are welcome to bring family, friends or your teacher as well. If you are interested in a particular brand or maker of instrument/bow, let me know, we have an extensive network of instruments/makers.
How do I choose instruments?
There are many variables to look for when selecting instruments—proper string height, nut, bridge, fingerboard, makers, etc. Please visit our shop to learn an honest way to choose instruments.
An instrument too small or too big can affect your child’s ability to learn important fundamentals. We have the biggest network of instrument makers in Hawaii anywhere from students to professional musicians. Our customers are 100% satisfied with our instruments and services. We are always happy to see our customers : )
Shopping
Instrument Cases & Bags
We have a selection of cases and bags. We carry popular, high-quality brands in various price ranges to make sure that you find the proper protection for your instrument. These are some of the brands we sell: Bam France, Bobelock, Carlisle, GEWA, Galaxy, Howard Core, Jakob Winter, Musafia Italia, Pedi, Eclipse, Musalia, Eastman, Riboni Italia, etc.
Accessories
We have all the necessary accessories from popular brands for all string instruments. Feel free to stop by what we have.
Can I buy a gift certificate?
Yes! We have paper gift certificates, and they do not expire.
Renting
How do I rent a violin/viola/cello from you?
Please call us at (808) 352-4491 for terms, rates, and sizing information.
Do you have a rent-to-own program?
If you rent an instrument for one year, we will credit six months of that rental to purchase an instrument equivalent or higher value.
What is your trade-in policy?
If you purchase an instrument from us, we will give you credit for the new instrument. Credit % is depending on the condition and model of the instrument. Please contact us for more information.
Resources
Best quality instruments / services
Our shop believes in good ethics and we do not give secret commissions to the teachers. Instead, we give the best quality instruments and services in Hawaii which many parents, students, and teachers are very happy with. We are very confident about our instruments and services from many years of studies by the top luthiers/dealers. We have built trust from the top local and international musicians who understand quality, services, and ethics.
Buying instruments from online
When you buy instruments, you are also buying the shop’s service/convenience too. You will be rolling dice with high odds not in your favor when buying instruments online. It is easy to believe online information and they know customers do not use their service due to the inconvenience of shipping. Spending hundreds or thousands at online shops is risky. They offer trials with extremely few selections to choose from at home and if you need adjustments or repairs, it is very costly to send it back for their services. Many online instruments are not set up correctly and are uncomfortable to play (example: improper string height, fingerboard scoop, soundpost, etc.). Instruments are very sensitive to climate/humidity so during shipping, instruments will have different setups. It is best to buy instruments at your local shop to try in-person and use their services.