We've comiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd. and instruments in general. If you still have a question after reading through this list, please contact us!
Do you offer lessons?
No, our shop does not offer lessons. We do, however, have a teacher list and often refer students to teachers in their area of the city. One of our own staff members, Maria Cuzzani, has established Crescendo School of Music, a Calgary based school for violin & piano.
Do you sell sheet music and books at the shop?
While we do not sell music books, we do carry a selection of DVD's for the "learn it on your own" group. Our stock includes lessons dedicated to the absolute beginner to the more advance player looking for a specific direction.
Do you have a string instrument rental program?
Yes, we do have a rental program both for child and adult sized instruments. Our contract has the first 3 months of rental and a $100 damage deposit paid up front. Following those first three months, a charge to a credit card automatically continues the rental term for the duration that you wish to use the instrument. When you choose to return it, the contract ends. Your deposit is returned at that time unless, in rare instances, there is any damage to the outfit. Should you decide to purchase the instrument you are renting, or any other instrument instead, the first 3 months and the deposit will be applied towards the purchase price. For parents not wanting to invest in the ownership until they know if a child is really going to enjoy violin lessons, a three month trial is usually sufficient to know the outcome. If the outfit is purchased at the end of the three months, all of the money spent will be put towards the purchase. Oft times, a parent will decide to take lessons with the child. (so adult sized instruments are also available) delete…already staed in the first sentence. We also (have ) delete other adult beginners. Our oldest new customer was 81. Our youngest new customer was 2 1/2. You're never too old or too young to benefit from the joy of music!
Do you ship to locations outside of Calgary and what is the charge for shipping & handling?
Yes, we most definitely will ship to other areas. Our shipping cost is dependant upon your choice of transport. We charge the actual cost of the shipping. Only in rare cases do we charge a handling fee.
Does your shop do repairs?
Yes. The luthiers hired by the shop are all fully trained makers/restorers capable of handling any repair that might come into the shop. Our repairs are done in a timely manner with most repairs going back to the customer earlier than the promised due date.
Does your shop rehair and repair bows?
Absolutely! Bert Jackson is our dedicated bow man. With the shop having only enough work to keep him busy for one day a week, Bert comes in each Friday to rehair all of the bows that have arrived that week. With only a few exceptions where more intricate repairs are required, all bows are ready to be returned to the owner on the Saturday.
Can I ship my bow to you for a rehair?
We do many out of town rehairs...Please refer to our "Easy as 1, 2, 3" bow form and we will have your bow done and on its way back to you within the week of receiving it.
What is the average price for adult beginner instrument?
An adult beginner violin outfit will start at about $600 depending upon what is currently in stock. While many outfits can be purchased for less, especially off the internet, all of our instruments have been properly set up with new strings, a properly cut bridge and sound post, a reshaped fingerboard and properly fitted pegs. Very few instruments of lower price have had these set up details improved. While the shop could provide a cheaper version by eliminating the improvements to the set up, we refuse to lower our standards. If the set up is not correct, the instrument will be difficult to play, sound poorly and be a source of frustration. Many teachers recommend this shop because of the quality of our instruments and set ups.
What is a good age to start a child into lessons?
A great age to start a child into lessons is 3 to 4 years of age. At this age, children love repetition, do not have a social life, and consider 20 minutes of "mom's" undivided attention to a practice as bonding rather than supervision. A three year old child is very capable of learning to play the violin and many teachers are eager to accept them at this age.
Why do my pegs pop or slip?
The most common reason for pegs to pop is a drop in humidity. When the level of humidity drops, the pegs shrink. At the same time, the wood of the scroll shrinks and while the wood of the scroll gets tighter and smaller, the holes become larger. With larger holes and smaller pegs, things are bound to let loose. Should all four pegs pop at the same time, the bridge, and perhaps the post may fall. If you feel unable to put things all back in order, don't hesitate to bring the instrument into the shop. We can have it back together and tuned up for you in short order. new paragraph Slipping pegs are generally associated with their improper fit. This may be caused by long term use requiring peg maintenance or by the non-fitted pegs of a new instrument. Either way, the investment to have the pegs refitted will greatly enhance your playing experience.
What is the difference between a violin & a fiddle?
Generally nothing, as the terms are quite interchangeable. Often what is being referred to is the style of music being played on the instrument. If the player chooses to play only fiddle music, the string height may have been lowered.