Frequently Asked Questions

Can you ship a violin on trial?

A: Yes. We want you to be comfortable that you have the right violin for you.  You have 30 days to be certain.  Because of the distances, we do require payment in full prior to shipping a violin.  Your only obligation is the pay the return shipping.  FedEx Ground and USPS Priority are the most economical shipping method at the time of this writing.  A typical domestic shipment is about $20-30.

I can’t decide – can you ship me two violins?

Yes, with the same conditions as listed above.  If you can describe what sound you are looking for, we may be able to direct you to the better choice of the two you like.

Can I come to Las Vegas and play your violins first?

Yes.  Let us know when you’ll be in town – we work via appointment.

What payment methods do you accept?

A: The most convenient way is via PayPal.  You do not need a PayPal account.  Payment can be via credit card or checking account.  PayPal is also a safe 3rd party method to assure fairness in the transaction.  We can accept a personal check which will need to clear the bank prior to shipment.  This can cause a delay of 5 to 10 business days.

Can you provide a Certificate of Authenticity or an Insurance Valuation?

All violins can receive an insurance valuation.  A Certificate of Authenticity is available for some of our violins.  The cost is $100 for either item.  Please allow a day or two for this service.  This service is provided by Juan Soto.

If I decide to return a violin, what is the process?

Contact us by email or phone to let us know of your intentions.  Carefully repack the violin just as it was shipped to you. Please use tracking to assure the arrival of the violin.  We suggest you insure the package for full value.  In all the years of shipping and receiving violins, only two have been damaged.  One was coming from France and looked like the box spend some time in an elephant cage.  Insurance covered the damage.  No precautions could have prevented that loss.  The second was poorly repackaged and the violin was free to bounce around in the package…the sound post poked all the way through the top.

Packing: pack the violin carefully with tissue under the fingerboard and tailpiece and wedged against the bridge on both sides.  Loosen the strings a 1/4 turn.  Make certain the violin cannot bounce inside the case and strike the top of the case.  Use sufficient packing inside the box to assure the violin case cannot shift inside the box.  Use FedEx, UPS or USPS with tracking.  Insure the violin for full value.