Renting, Buying, Restoring, Repairing Instruments

If you're looking to purchase musical instruments, equipment, or accessories and would prefer to order them yourself, check out the following companies:

John Keal Music Company, Inc. The FMS music department conducts a lot of business with this company, and Chris Trombley (a representative) visits our school on a weekly basis to deliver orders and pick up instruments for repair. Ordering online with your credit card is easy; otherwise, you can fill out a blue form and submit your payment in school for delivery on Wednesdays.

Shar Music has an extensive online cataloge of accessories and sheet music. You can also purchase instruments from their website.

Southwest Strings often has good deals on student instrument outfits (instrument, bow, and case).

I've known many friends and colleagues who have had positive experiences with Stammell Stringed Instruments (with workshops in Amherst, MA and Poughkeepsie, NY). They offer high-quality instrument rentals for advancing students. Renters receive discounts on strings and accessories purchased through Stammell, and an equity program is available for trade-ins.

Johnson String Instrument's rental program is similar to that of Stammell, and they are also based in Massachusetts. I have been to their workshop a couple of times over the past 7 years, and I've always been impressed with the care they show their customers.

Have an old instrument that you think might be worth something? Most shops offer apprasials for a small fee. Was your instrument appraised with a post-repair value? Joseph Regh restores and repairs instruments from his home in Wappingers Falls, NY. If your appraisal value was significant enough to require much more detailed, expert attention, check out Reuning & Sons Violins in Boston or David Michie Violins in Philadelphia. Reuning might cost you a bit more, but they'll do a good job. David Michie is trusted for instrument repairs for students of the Curtis Institute of Music, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Youth Orchestras.