Hosmer Violins is proud to serve the musical community of Central New York and beyond. Since 1970 we have been the place to go for the student, amateur, and professional string musician. Our specialty is the sale of violins, violas, cellos, and their related bows, as well as strings, cases, and accessories. We are in constant contact with the finest workshops throughout the world to bring you the best value in instruments and bows. All of the instruments we sell, no matter how inexpensive, are set up and adjusted in this shop to be at peak tonal, cosmetic, and physical functionality.
Services
Some ask, "What makes your student instruments different from similar instruments sold by various music stores and mail order houses?" We take student instruments and bows very seriously, and we are particular about the quality of what we sell. In addition, we take the time to adjust our instruments, no matter how inexpensive, to a level where a professional player would find them acceptable.
Who is Chan Lee, anyway? Instrument wholesalers, band instrument suppliers, and violin shops often have their own trade names. My idea of an "entry level" instrument is a cut or two above that of many other dealers, and with our professional setup, a Bobelock case and a quality bow, you have a combination that is often far better than "entry level."
When does a violin or similar instrument become "intermediate?" Well, after "entry level" you have to call the next level something. An "intermediate" instrument is better looking, but more importantly, it's better sounding. The makers can pay attention to more workmanship details, they can use better looking wood, and they can spend more time on the inside construction of the instrument. Because they are still semi-mass-produced, I can offer many of these amazingly high-quality instruments for under $1000.00.
We have a select supply of quality vintage violins and violas. Most of these instruments have been thoroughly restored by myself or by other luthiers to be the best instruments they can possibly be. For the most part, vintage violins and violas from France and Germany begin at $2500.00, with some exceptions for especially good sounding older, lower grade instruments. Some shops will sell old instruments that are in bad structural or cosmetic condition for a low price simply because they sound good.
Reviews (14)
Rocio Castillo Savelesky
Jun 09, 2022
Kent S.
Jan 27, 2022
Lovelyone
Sep 22, 2021
Dan F.
Apr 22, 2021
Caroline Liquori
Jan 17, 2021
Tom Hosmer is an experienced luthier and musician, personable and forthright. His sales, service and attention to detail with follow-up visits has been great, in my experience. Hosmer Violins has a nice selection of violins, violas and cellos, an on-site trial room and workshop. Glad to have Tom and the business in our area.
Stephen Levine
Apr 11, 2018
Sean McClain
Jan 26, 2018
Gary Wishik
Jan 25, 2018
Areviewer G.
Jan 19, 2018
It's happened again! I brought a fine instrument sounding ok but cranky in for a minor adjustment. Tom looked at it, diagnosed several problems, fixed them overnight, and voila! Amazing improvement! We are so lucky to have this stringed instrument wizard in our region! He gets busy, but its worth the wait!
Jessica Tumajyan
Feb 19, 2017
Jaime Gabriel Luthier
Dec 25, 2016
Steve L.
Aug 04, 2015
Mark S.
Feb 02, 2015
Lindsay Groves
May 08, 2013
