Kamimoto String Instruments has been serving customers in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1967. We have a world class repair department headed by Jon Li and the company is widely known in the local community as a place to purchase quality and affordable violins, violas, celli (cellos), and basses. KSI has a wonderful string instrument rental program.

We rent violins, violas, cellos (celli) and basses. Insurance is covered in the rentals so if you damage or lose the instrument, there is a deductible and we will replace the instrument for you.

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Instruments Report

Kamimoto String Instruments is your premier San Jose location for violins, violas, celli, rosins, repair, and a host of other services. We pride ourselves in the integrity of our work, quality of our services, and quality of our instruments. Please feel free to browse our wide selection of violins, violas, celli, and basses, or learn more about us.

Violins Report

We carry violins ranging from 1/32 size to 4/4 size, from a variety of makers all around the world. All of our violins have spruce fronts with maple backs and sides, and depending on the maker will have either a one or two-piece back and front. They are finished with rich stains ranging from deep cherry red to a luscious, chocolatey dark brown.

Violas Report

Our violas come from all over the world and range from entry-level student violas to rich, resonant, and well-loved professional quality violas. We have violas from 11" to 16.75", although sizes smaller than 13" and larger than 16" might not be in stock. Please call to check for availability.

Celli Report

As with our violins and violas, we carry celli from a variety of worldwide luthiers. All of our instruments are handmade, and our celli are no exception. Beautiful varnish coupled with tasteful aging allows our cellos to appear and sound well-played right out of the workshop. Celli can be accessorized with several different types and materials. These include ebony, rosewood, and boxwood pegs and tailpieces, as well as endpins available in both steel and carbon fiber.

Daniel C.

May 19, 2022

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One stop shop for all my violin needs. They also have a good amount of quality instruments to rent or purchase.

Nancy McGhee

Apr 25, 2022

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The workmanship is good. Just make sure you CALL before you go to pick up your instrument, especially if you live a distance away. I lost money (took time off from work) and wasted precious gasoline, when I went down to pick up my instrument on the day promised and it wasn't done at all. Had to drive back home (35 min drive) and then return again at the end of the day. Very annoying.

Andrea Miller

Oct 12, 2021

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I was trying to tune my first violin, and in the process, snapped more than one. Took it here after searching for any options, was impressed with their speed, knowledge and prices. She tuned it for me (quickly and skillfully) after replacing the strings, very helpful. Not to mention she was patient with my many questions. Will definitely go here again!

Pavan Anumula

Sep 18, 2021

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I would pick this place over scott cao as this is place is bit more friendlier than scott cao and also helped us rent it instead of buying as the rental credit can be applied when buying for up to 6 months. Also shared good tips and advice to my kid who is just starting to play violin. Violin rented is a real good quality too : i wish we were allowed inside but due to covid we had to be outside.

Allison Lim

Nov 08, 2020

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John, Sophie, and their staff are very helpful. I bought a 1/2 size violin and full size violin here. I rented my instruments first. My rental payment was applied as credit to my purchase. I bring my violins to the store every so often for a check up.

Mary Anne Groen

Oct 07, 2020

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Thank you for all the wonderful work you and your team did on my violin! It sounds so much better and looks beautiful! Now I want to practice everyday

Daniel De Paula Pessoa

May 15, 2020

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The Kamimoto String Instruments is the right place where to buy stringed musical instruments. They are made of high quality wood and strings, which guarantees perfect sound and the seller knows a lot about what he sells. You can find here plenty of these instruments in different sizes. It was a very lovely experience visiting this store.

Ben Bacigalupi

Nov 14, 2019

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If you played a string instrument Kamimoto may have exactly what you are looking for. My dad asked for a Cello C string. They had an assortment of choices ranging from $20 to $200. Of course my dad did not specify a brand, so I bought two different brands in the mid price range. Hopefully he will be trilled.

Pat James

Jun 18, 2019

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Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. Best selection of stringed orchestral instruments I have seen in the area. And they have in house repair services too. I am interested in renting initially with options to buy.

Jle

Mar 17, 2019

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Huge selection of violins at different sizes but there aren't too many other instruments. There's a practice room with a music stand where you may choose to close the door and try out different instruments. This store has a combo deal for certain instruments where you also get a free case and bow so I would definitely recommend going here if you've been wanting to learn a string instrument or if you want to purchase one for your kids.

Jun Q. Lu

Nov 11, 2017

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We came from out of town to rent a cello for a week for a wedding. There was a large selection of cellos to choose from, and the quality of the instruments were good. The lady worked at counter was very nice and helpful. It was a enjoyable experience working with them, I highly recommend the place to anyone who are in a similar situation.