Henry Bischofberger Violins specializes in violin, viola, cello and bow sales and purchases in all price ranges, expert instrument restoration, appraisal, setup and repair, bow rehairs, and well crafted, high quality rental instruments. Promoting the music community as an integral part of his business philosophy, Henry Bischofberger serves musicians of all ages, from beginning students to professionals, teachers, local orchestras and schools.
Follow us
Services
Sales
Report
Henry Bischofberger Violins has a wide selection of fine stringed instruments and bows. Henry says, "When I acquire instruments to sell in my shop, I demand the utmost quality, and the dealers I have used for the past 20 years are still serving me with quality in mind. "After an instrument reaches the shop, Henry personally take time to check all parts for quality and workmanship, and adjusts each instrument before putting it out for sale. Bow makers also know he will only take the best to sell in his shop.
Appraisals
Report
If you are curious about the value of your violin, viola, cello, bass or bow, feel free to bring your instrument in for a complimentary verbal appraisal. If you need papers for insurance or a written appraisal the cost is based on the value of the instrument. With many years experience in appraising, Henry can give an educated and informed valuation of your instrument or bow. Rentals
Report
Rentals are the stepping stone, especially for young musicians, to continue playing beyond school. Starting out with a quality instrument is paramount to enjoying the learning experience. Henry Bischofberger understands the importance of providing rental customers with fine instruments that are set up correctly. His exacting setup meets the high standards of teachers all over the Northwest.
He highly highly values his rental customers, and seeks to provide the best service in the Puget Sound area. Henry Bischofberger Violins' rental program offers nine months of rental towards the purchase of any instrument in the shop.
With excellent instruments, setup and service, people are seeking out Henry Bischofberger for the best violin, viola and cello rentals in Seattle and the East Side.
People
Henry Bischofberger
Henry Bischofberger, third generation violin maker, learned his craft at the Swiss School of Violin Making in Brienz, Switzerland. He continued his studies in San Francisco before returning to Seattle where he ran the family violin business on Capitol Hill for 12 years. He brings over 35 years of experience to his new shop on the Eastside of Lake Washington.
With this location in Kirkland, Washington, Henry Bischofberger Violins is uniquely positioned to serve the Eastside communities of Kirkland, Bellevue, Issaquah, North Bend, Bothell, Redmond, Woodinville, Sammamish, the Plateau and surrounding areas while still providing
impeccable service and workmanship to clients in Seattle, all over the Northwest and around the world.
With this location in Kirkland, Washington, Henry Bischofberger Violins is uniquely positioned to serve the Eastside communities of Kirkland, Bellevue, Issaquah, North Bend, Bothell, Redmond, Woodinville, Sammamish, the Plateau and surrounding areas while still providing
impeccable service and workmanship to clients in Seattle, all over the Northwest and around the world.
Reviews (14)
Yo Baduh
Jun 12, 2022
I am so happy and glad I went to see Henry to seek his advise and expertise in fixing my deceased father in law's violin. He did a remarkable job in restoring the violin and I proudly display it in a glass case in my living room to remember him by. Henry is a very nice and wonderful man. Thank you very much Sir! Thank you too to your staff who are very friendly and accommodating. Mahalo, Yolanda O.
Omid Usa
May 13, 2022
Denny Bruno
Mar 30, 2022
Judi Vandyck
Jan 26, 2022
I have nothing bad to say about this place! We have been renting for 5 years and the service is outstanding! They tune, clean and repair for free, and they go out of their way to accommodate you! They also have extremely reasonable rates, cheaper than the major outlets! If you are looking for a stringed instrument to rent or buy, please go there first - trust me you won't be disappointed!
Ron Cain
Nov 16, 2021
We always love visiting Henry's shop. Over the years we have bought 2 violins, a cello, countless bows, cases and accessories. We've also asked for instrument modifications that were superbly done. It's also fun to see all the violins and cellos in their racks and work in progress on the workbench. If we need to buy a violin or cello or to ask for repairs, Henry's shop is our go-to place. We know the trip will be successful.
Amy M.
Aug 29, 2021
Henry and Julie here are the greatest people to work with, so generous with instrument tuning. I have purchased a violin from them and have another rental. They answer their phone promptly and handle inquiries quickly. They have a smooth scheduling ap on their web site and it's a pleasure working with them.
Antara Roy
Jul 28, 2021
Went to Henry Bischofberger Violins to purchase/trial violin for my son. We made an appointment online, which was easy and convenient, and we even got a reminder before the appointment. Very good service as well. We were given several violins and bows to try out in a quiet room that were based on our price range. The violins are well made and high quality, and then we decided for my daughter to try some violins as well.
The appointment was only 30 minutes but we didn't feel rushed and we actually spent 2 hours trying out violins. We ended up taking 4 violins for a free 7 day trial and were given cases to store the violins in. After the trial, we purchased 2 violins (which are the Merlino brand) and bows. Payment was easy, accept credit cards, check, or Zelle. I definitely recommend this place, has several other string instrument to purchase or rent as well.
The appointment was only 30 minutes but we didn't feel rushed and we actually spent 2 hours trying out violins. We ended up taking 4 violins for a free 7 day trial and were given cases to store the violins in. After the trial, we purchased 2 violins (which are the Merlino brand) and bows. Payment was easy, accept credit cards, check, or Zelle. I definitely recommend this place, has several other string instrument to purchase or rent as well.
Tae Kim
Jul 24, 2021
We have been a customer for almost 10 years and they have always been friendly and genuine with their service. He has provided excellent and professional service and recommended the best instrument for the students. All three of my sons have used their string instruments and we cannot express how grateful we are for his service and care.
David Dauthier
May 28, 2021
Mr. Bischofberger gave me friendly and professional advice about my beloved violin. I visited his shop with plenty of money to spend on repair, but he very kindly advised me not to dump money into what is essentially a lost cause. Mr. Henry Bischofberger is not only a man of great skill and experience, he is a man of integrity. He cleaned and tuned my violin, adjusted the strings, gave me good advice, and refused to charge me a dime. I'll tell you this: my next violin will be made by Mr. Bischofberger!
Tawnya Clawson
Apr 03, 2021
Henry and his staff have impressed me again and again! We have been renting instruments from them for about 4 years and was ready to purchase a full-size instrument last year. Bischofberger gifted the instrument to us due to our long history as customers. Now my husband's cello needs repairs and we are not surprised to find that Henry is honorable and skilled in handling our needs. He also continues to provide free upkeep on the instrument we now own. They have our loyalty!
Leah Lamm Gillette
Mar 12, 2019
Our violin was made in 1852 and has been in the family for generations. My husband plays it now and so will our daughter when she grows into it. It is special to us, so it was very important to us to find a skilled Luthier when this violin needed repair. Henry took great care with the violin, and it sounds better now than it ever did. He even replaced the strings and part of the chin rest which was much needed but hadn’t been on our radar. His work was thorough and complete, and in less time and under budget than he estimated. We will definitely be back when this or our other violins need repair. Thank you!
Kristina Goforth Mason
Feb 19, 2019
My daughter has been playing viola for almost 6 years and was long overdue for a new viola... We drove from Wenatchee to Kirkland today with hopes of looking at a used one for her. When those plans fell through, we contacted Henry. They let her play a variety of violas and use different bows until she found the one that worked for her. Thank you SO much for working with us and making our trip worth while! The music she will be able to play for years to come will be amazing!
Joyce Ramee, Co-Director of The Max Aronoff Viola Institute
We put on the Aronoff Chamber Music Festival and Series at Bastyr University each June. I feel Henry Bischofberger is one of a few really reputable instrument dealers in the area. I am a private violin and viola instructor and in the Spring I gave a master workshop for viola students and teachers at Henry Bischofberger Violins and will continue again next Spring.
It was very successful! He has an "impressive pedigree" as a Swiss-trained, third-generation violin maker, but more importantly he's got a great instinct of his own for the instruments and bows he chooses to deal in. I think Henry's shop has a beautiful collection of inventory already since he opened. I am so impressed by the fact that he answers his own phone and does his own work.
It was very successful! He has an "impressive pedigree" as a Swiss-trained, third-generation violin maker, but more importantly he's got a great instinct of his own for the instruments and bows he chooses to deal in. I think Henry's shop has a beautiful collection of inventory already since he opened. I am so impressed by the fact that he answers his own phone and does his own work.
Karen Chapman
I have had the great pleasure of knowing Henry for 7 years. Over that time we have purchased instruments and bows as well as having repair work done. His expert knowledge has enabled us to select the perfect instrument and bows for our daughter. We were never rushed into making a decision and at all times were shown the utmost courtesy and kindness. To have a professional violin maker on the Eastside is wonderful. To have that person be Henry is even better. I would never dream of going anywhere else.