For more than 30 years, Vermont Violins has been providing fine instruments, appraisals, restorations, and repairs for the violin family of instruments to our clients throughout New England. Since our establishment, we have earned a reputation for providing professional service for players of all levels of advancement, from beginner to professional.Our own instruments, the V. Richelieu violins, and violas are played by musicians throughout the United States and are offered by many fine shops. We are proud to be the US distributors of Sonowood, an environmentally sustainable alternative to ebony.
Services
Vermont Violins is committed to the community through a strong social, and environmental mission!. Vermont Violins is dedicated to promoting the study of violins, violas, 'celli, and bass'. In fact, the violin family of instruments is not only our specialty, it is all we do. Owner, Kathy Reilly, is a violist having studied at the Oberlin College Conservatory of music.
To utilize the services, Vermont Violins requires 3 projects minimum for pick up and delivery. Instruments and bows should be left at the office. The Pick up will happen between 8:00 am - 9:00 am on Tuesday mornings. A limited number of free loaners will be available to students. Vermont Violins will endeavor to return the finished projects the following day (not guaranteed). The invoices will be sent to the student email (Mandatory) or the parent email (Required if we must contact the parent for bill authorization).
We offer both lutherie services and sales of everything from music stands to performance instruments. Based on the demands, we will be present at the St. Mikes Campus at Dion Family Student Center (McGrath Room) every Monday & Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The point of Contact will be Amanda Stenroos.
Reviews (11)
Ginger Heidel
Apr 23, 2022
"We've been part of the instrument rental program with Vermont Violins for more than 8 years, and we've been so pleased with the instruments, the customer service, and the value. Our daughter rented her first viola from Vermont Violins at age 7. As she grew, the staff at Vermont Violins helped ensure she had the right instrument for her size and playing level.
We live in Savannah, Georgia, but the distance was not an obstacle. We even had to utilize the insurance program once (whoops!) and the experience was hassle-free. One of the best aspects of the program is that you build equity with each rental payment. Now that we are ready to purchase an instrument for our daughter, we have substantial equity to apply toward a purchase. I have nothing but good things to say about the people and the products at Vermont Violins and I highly recommend their rental program."
We live in Savannah, Georgia, but the distance was not an obstacle. We even had to utilize the insurance program once (whoops!) and the experience was hassle-free. One of the best aspects of the program is that you build equity with each rental payment. Now that we are ready to purchase an instrument for our daughter, we have substantial equity to apply toward a purchase. I have nothing but good things to say about the people and the products at Vermont Violins and I highly recommend their rental program."
Ana Lilia
Jan 24, 2022
Judy Cox
Jan 17, 2022
Great customer service and prices! When the violin case I chose as a gift was out of stock and shipping was delayed as with so many other things right now, Oliver kept me posted about the delays, and offered alternative suggestions about cases if we didn't want to wait. The case actually arrived sooner than they predicted. Will definitely shop here again.
Jennifer F.
Oct 30, 2021
We had our violin repaired here and the shop did a very poor job and charged us too much for it. We had gotten it appraised at other locations stating that more would need to be done to actually repair it sufficiently. They did not recognize what needed to be done, repaired it inadequately and we had a much worse violin afterwards that essentially ruined its value.
We would have been much better off having paid a bit more and having it done right. The owner is also not kind, not forthcoming and difficult to get a straight answer from. Won't be returning here unfortunately.
We would have been much better off having paid a bit more and having it done right. The owner is also not kind, not forthcoming and difficult to get a straight answer from. Won't be returning here unfortunately.
Katherine
Aug 08, 2021
I went to Vermont Violins with the original intention of dropping my bow off for a rehair. Since I live about three hours away, I decided that "while I'm here, I may as well have a look around." I tried a couple of violins, one which I absolutely fell in love with and ended up taking home. I dealt with Kathy and Oliver, and I found them both to be very friendly and helpful.
Even though I am very much a beginner, Kathy was very encouraging and even gave me a couple of contacts in my area for people I might be able to learn from. Overall very impressed and very happy that I made the trip!
Even though I am very much a beginner, Kathy was very encouraging and even gave me a couple of contacts in my area for people I might be able to learn from. Overall very impressed and very happy that I made the trip!
Sharon
Jul 19, 2021
Andrew MacDowell
Nov 07, 2020
Just visited their West Lebanon location and had a really great experience. Oren was thoroughly helpful and kind, even after I described myself as "whatever the term is for a novice who's never even touched the instrument". Advised me on my options and got me set up with a rental in no time. Thank you.
Sean Fleming
May 17, 2018
I had a very difficult experience with them in getting paperwork they had said they would provide. Multiple phone calls and even in person visits did not end up with a happy ending. My Eastman violin, purchased from this co., did not have a label on it indicating that it was actually an Eastman. The owner claimed that for a few years Eastman produced violins with no indicating markers.
When I asked if she could provide a certificate of ownership, which would identify the violin by the number on the bridge, the owner said she would do so. Every time I asked her if she would do it, she said she would - and yet no certificate was received. I was visiting her at her West Lebanon location, and she kept telling me she had to print the certificate in her Burlington location. Very unreliable. Also, if you are looking to get an Eastman, you can do far better by purchasing elsewhere. Too late I learned that we paid far too much.
When I asked if she could provide a certificate of ownership, which would identify the violin by the number on the bridge, the owner said she would do so. Every time I asked her if she would do it, she said she would - and yet no certificate was received. I was visiting her at her West Lebanon location, and she kept telling me she had to print the certificate in her Burlington location. Very unreliable. Also, if you are looking to get an Eastman, you can do far better by purchasing elsewhere. Too late I learned that we paid far too much.
Wendy Jensen
Apr 22, 2016
I find staff always friendly and attentive at Vermont Violins. They even deliver bows and violins to try out way down south to Concord! They allow you plenty of time and space to try any new purchases under consideration, and are supportive and informative. I highly recommend this store for any string player. I have also had extensive repairs done on older violins and a bow, with excellent results.
Victor Meola
Jan 12, 2015
It couldn't have been any easier. The staff at Vermont Violins was extremely helpful with the purchase of an electric violin. They went above and beyond to place our order and overnight the instrument to our home. The price, it was unmatched by any on-line retailer. Kathy and Oren were pleasant and extremely helpful. Will definitely do business with Vermont Violins in the future.
Emily D.
Oct 21, 2013
I went here as a complete beginner to rent my first violin and get started. I've also been back on two occasions for help tuning and to buy some necessary accessories. Every time I've been in the staff has been super helpful and very nice. The violin rental seemed moderately priced. The only reason it's not getting 5 stars is because it's small and the music selection is a little bit slim. Other than that it is great! Very positive experience.
