Our Violin & String Instrument Inventory
Maintaining a continually rotating quality inventory can be challenging. It is not sufficient, however, to merely to have a large selection of instruments. The instruments should also be in the best possible condition. An old violin with a multitude of cracks, poor retouching and other repairs represents an unsound investment from the standpoints of dollars, tone and reliability. We only sell instruments that are in very good condition. With our 80% trade-in policy we know that a good many of these instruments will return to us in one way or another.
In addition to our older instruments, our inventory includes many new instruments that will improve with age. After all, every Stradivarius was once new! Some very fine instruments are being built these days and, depending on your budget, an excellent new instrument may offer much more bang for your buck.
Below is a sampling of some of the more familiar instrument brand names that we carry:
- Euro, Eastman, Suzuki, Hofner, Sheng Liu, and Yamaha acoustic instruments
- Yamaha and Barcus Berry electric instruments
- Bobelock, Duralite, Eastman, Hiscox, Everest, and Howard Core cases
- CodaBow, J.T. Jet, J.T. Prism, J.T. Apprentice, Yamaha, Cadenza, and Richter bows
We also carry an extensive inventory of strings and accessories from the following manufacturers:
- Pirastro
- Thomastik-Infeld
- D'Addario
- Dominant
- Jargar
- Larsen
- Kun
- Viva La Musica
- Comford
- Wolf
- Bon Musica
- Larica (Liebenzeller)
- Kaplan
- Gustave Bernardel
- Andrea Bang
- Pops'
- Nyman-Harts
- Millant-Deroux
- Seiko
- Wittner
- Manhasset
- Hercules
- BowMaster
- Mighty Bright
- Strad Pad
- Hill
- Psarianos
In-House Luthiers
At V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd., we are very proud of our professional, fully qualified staff of in-house luthiers. Our master luthier is a graduate of the highly-acclaimed
Newark School of Violin Making in Nottinghamshire, England. He is known for his exceptional skill and ability to perform complex repairs, and has made a variety of instruments, several of which are available to view in our showroom.
Our second luthier is experienced with set-ups, adjustments and standard repairs, with expertise in the very difficult field of varnish repair. She has also made several instruments.
We have recently taken on an apprentice luthier who has proven to be an asset to our shop. He has some prior experience with set-ups, and is now learning more complex repairs.
Whether your violin, viola, cello or bass is in need of minor repairs or a full restoration, our luthiers have the knowledge, tools and skills to make it happen! All work is completed in our humidity-controlled workshop to the highest of European standards. We use only traditional materials and internationally accepted techniques. At V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd., our extremely competent luthiers have had experience working on all grades of instruments, from student violins to Italian instruments of the Golden Period!
