We are proud to offer the Jay Haide line of violins, violas, cellos and now, string basses. All Jay Haide instruments are hand-made of quality seasoned maple and spruce and have a tone quality and workmanship normally found in those costing much more. Violins, violas and cellos are available in four models.
Services
We are a small local violin shop in El Cerrito that has now expanded to offer one of the most extensive collections of instruments and bows in the country. Jay Ifshin was born in Miami, Florida in 1951, where he worked as a diesel mechanic after high school. Listening to recordings of famous violinists, Ifshin was inspired to learn the violin.
In recent years, it has become more and more difficult to find fine string instruments. A rapidly growing number of gifted students and professionals are seeking a limited supply of old instruments, which are still in good playing condition. This makes the job of the violin dealer ever more difficult.
We are fortunate to be offering two superb examples of the great Italian luthier, Annibale Fagnola. Fagnola was one of the most successful violin makers of his generation, producing excellent instruments for a discerning clientele. Counted among the greatest Italian makers of his generation, he was mostly self-taught.
Reviews (17)
Wonder M.
May 14, 2022
I'm looking for a new violin and so far Ifshin has the best trial experience. Good trial room (in many other places there are 100 violins in the same room, they all resonate), can talk with the person who knows inventory, plays the instrument and knows a lot on the subject. If looking for a new instrument - definitely must visit them.
Tiffany C.
Apr 16, 2022
Rene M.
Nov 05, 2021
Kyoko J.
Oct 10, 2021
This is my LAST TIME I ever go to Ifshin violins. I have once again had to deal with the same RUDE, TERRIBLY MEAN, and CONDESCENDING lady at the front desk (Older Caucasian female with white hair and glasses). She has been working there for many years and enough is enough. A review was written about her just 28 days ago and I know exactly who they are talking about.
I have watched her be rude to every single customer who walks in that store and it's UNACCEPTABLE and SHAMEFUL. She claimed I didn't have an appointment when she was the one who emailed me to schedule! She is THE RUDEST sales lady I have ever dealt with and it is such a shame because all the other staff are so helpful and kind. Like the luthier I spoke to today was extremely helpful and I had to watch in discomfort while this same rude lady made him uncomfortable.
Must be very hard on her colleagues. The condescending lady is somehow ALWAYS WORKING and always picks up the phone which is very unfortunate. I have always had a great experience with every other staff member but her. Good luck to Raphael, Felicity, and the others but I will never spend a single penny there again!
I have watched her be rude to every single customer who walks in that store and it's UNACCEPTABLE and SHAMEFUL. She claimed I didn't have an appointment when she was the one who emailed me to schedule! She is THE RUDEST sales lady I have ever dealt with and it is such a shame because all the other staff are so helpful and kind. Like the luthier I spoke to today was extremely helpful and I had to watch in discomfort while this same rude lady made him uncomfortable.
Must be very hard on her colleagues. The condescending lady is somehow ALWAYS WORKING and always picks up the phone which is very unfortunate. I have always had a great experience with every other staff member but her. Good luck to Raphael, Felicity, and the others but I will never spend a single penny there again!
Rb R.
Sep 11, 2021
RACIST or JUST RUDE? You decide. But if you think it's the former, then we all have to say something. This shop has allowed a rude woman's behavior at rentals and who answers the phone, to go on for 20+ years. Read the reviews - they're here on Yelp. I'm not the first nor the last. Today I have just had it. After being faithful to them for too much of my life, I have made the decision.
They have been racist and have let this woman do whatever she likes. They have enabled her. Many of the people of color who come in are asian, like me. If they are racists they've felt like they didn't have to change or tell this woman to change. Its part of orchestra culture we think, so we let it go. But no, we don't have to live like that.
This is the 21st century. I have bought and brought my violin to this shop since the time they were located closer to Berkeley. But the woman who has worked there since forever, a white woman I've dealt with since I've been in my 20s (I'm in my 40s now) is 95% of the time mean and rude (including to my husband who has rented an instrument for my kids)!
He wonders why I still go there at all after 20 years she's so rude. If you go there and there's a rude woman in rentals or she answers the phone and you feel some attitude she's either racist or just hates people. Usually the line is blurred and one and the same. If you can make it into the city, Roland Feller is very sweet, but small shop to buy and/or repairs for your violin.
Other folks I've talked to or worked with here at ifshin are fine but beware of the mean white lady. For real. And the fact that many of the people of color she deals with are ASIAN I'm sure she feels like she could treat them any way she wants. So you decide.
They have been racist and have let this woman do whatever she likes. They have enabled her. Many of the people of color who come in are asian, like me. If they are racists they've felt like they didn't have to change or tell this woman to change. Its part of orchestra culture we think, so we let it go. But no, we don't have to live like that.
This is the 21st century. I have bought and brought my violin to this shop since the time they were located closer to Berkeley. But the woman who has worked there since forever, a white woman I've dealt with since I've been in my 20s (I'm in my 40s now) is 95% of the time mean and rude (including to my husband who has rented an instrument for my kids)!
He wonders why I still go there at all after 20 years she's so rude. If you go there and there's a rude woman in rentals or she answers the phone and you feel some attitude she's either racist or just hates people. Usually the line is blurred and one and the same. If you can make it into the city, Roland Feller is very sweet, but small shop to buy and/or repairs for your violin.
Other folks I've talked to or worked with here at ifshin are fine but beware of the mean white lady. For real. And the fact that many of the people of color she deals with are ASIAN I'm sure she feels like she could treat them any way she wants. So you decide.
R. H.
Aug 21, 2021
Short Review: Staff are very friendly-- especially if you are trying to purchase or rent an instrument. Mr. Ifshin was extremely rude and disrespectful when I was trying to sell mine, and did not offer the specific details for selling on consignment. Detailed Review: I went to Ifshin to sell an instrument. The staff person, Rafael, had me show it to owner Jay Ifshin to get his opinion on the value.
I waited 20-30 minutes, though I had made an appointment. Like most violin shops (especially these days), Ifshin prefers to take instruments on consignment, but I was looking to sell it outright. Jay asked me what I wanted for it. I responded with an initial offer (50% of what he said he would retail for). He was not interested. I offered lower. He looked at me and said condescendingly, "Sounds like you really need money." I was so taken aback I didn't walk out--I wish I had.
As I continued the conversation, I tried to ascertain the details of the consignment arrangement he was offering. He was short and rude, did not give me a thorough or precise explanation of the percentage he would take, but seemed to think I should already know how it worked and that my questions were ridiculous. I'm not surprised that Ifshin didn't have the funds to purchase my instrument-- I know many shops have been hit hard by Covid, and fewer people are buying expensive instruments. But I am surprised by the disrespect and condescension.
I waited 20-30 minutes, though I had made an appointment. Like most violin shops (especially these days), Ifshin prefers to take instruments on consignment, but I was looking to sell it outright. Jay asked me what I wanted for it. I responded with an initial offer (50% of what he said he would retail for). He was not interested. I offered lower. He looked at me and said condescendingly, "Sounds like you really need money." I was so taken aback I didn't walk out--I wish I had.
As I continued the conversation, I tried to ascertain the details of the consignment arrangement he was offering. He was short and rude, did not give me a thorough or precise explanation of the percentage he would take, but seemed to think I should already know how it worked and that my questions were ridiculous. I'm not surprised that Ifshin didn't have the funds to purchase my instrument-- I know many shops have been hit hard by Covid, and fewer people are buying expensive instruments. But I am surprised by the disrespect and condescension.
Jeniffer C.
Aug 17, 2021
Love this beautiful little shop. Rental prices are fair and the service is excellent- sad to say but that is hard to come by these days here in CA. Took my 9 year old to upgrade to a bigger violin and they took care of everything while getting my kid to laugh. It was such a good experience from start to finish!
Annie S.
Jul 21, 2021
I started coming to Ifshin for violin repairs and most of the staff have been extremely kind and helpful (Raphael, the main lady at the front desk, etc.). However, when I pressed 4 to talk to someone about repairs and rentals (on the phone), the lady that picked up was rude, interruptive, and seemed to have her own agenda in mind. I understand that workers may be busy, but it is in no way appropriate to address clients in the way I was addressed today.
I called because I missed a call, and the woman that picked up was rude, condescending, and did not seem to care about how I was spending my time and effort. If this was the first time I visited Ifshin Violins, I would not come back. It is only because the other workers are so benevolent and caring that I gave this a 3 star. I am pretty tolerant in terms of customer service and attitude, but I today, I finished the phone call upset and not satisfied at all.
I called because I missed a call, and the woman that picked up was rude, condescending, and did not seem to care about how I was spending my time and effort. If this was the first time I visited Ifshin Violins, I would not come back. It is only because the other workers are so benevolent and caring that I gave this a 3 star. I am pretty tolerant in terms of customer service and attitude, but I today, I finished the phone call upset and not satisfied at all.
Mei G.
Jun 22, 2021
Alice F.
May 23, 2021
I was in the market for a violin (10-25k range) and tried nearly 100 instruments across 7 different shops in the Bay Area. Ifshin's definitely has the biggest selection in this range. Raphael was SO helpful in understanding what I was looking for in an instrument, and finding instruments that met my criteria. As an accomplished violist, he also played the instruments, so I could hear how it sounded from a distance.
I was able to take 3 instruments home to try, to help me better make a decision. Throughout this process, Raphael was extremely patient, and helped me find a violin that I loved at a price that was very competitive. I live in South Bay, and it took me a few years to work up the courage to drive all the way to El Cerrito. but it was definitely worth it!
I was able to take 3 instruments home to try, to help me better make a decision. Throughout this process, Raphael was extremely patient, and helped me find a violin that I loved at a price that was very competitive. I live in South Bay, and it took me a few years to work up the courage to drive all the way to El Cerrito. but it was definitely worth it!
Matt C.
Apr 19, 2021
Just upgraded my cello with them. Very happy with my new instrument. I have unique requirements and I'm somewhat particular, but the staff here are patient, understanding and very helpful. Thanks to Vivian, Haide, Jay etc for being my musical partners and helping me with such a big decision. I really appreciate your help.
Machiruda Y.
Feb 24, 2021
Have been coming here in the last 10 years. First I came here for my cello repair, and now for my children's violins. My daughter and my son rented J Hyde for about a year, and we also purchased J Hyde. In my childhood, Suzuki was the only reasonable option for young players, so I am happy we have J Hyde, which is reasonable and great quality in our local community!
I am originally from Japan and like Suzuki, but I have to admit J Hyde has a better quality with more reasonable price. Also, ifshin's after service is great as long as you purchased the instrument from here. All the staffs I met really love musical instruments and music so I love coming back here. Thank you for keeping the store open during this difficult time!
I am originally from Japan and like Suzuki, but I have to admit J Hyde has a better quality with more reasonable price. Also, ifshin's after service is great as long as you purchased the instrument from here. All the staffs I met really love musical instruments and music so I love coming back here. Thank you for keeping the store open during this difficult time!
Janice C.
Nov 04, 2020
Carrie R.
Aug 17, 2019
The rating is more so for the woman who "helped" us- using the verb loosely. She was condescending, rude, did not check on us, and definitely the right person to have on staff if you want your customers feeling underserved and berated. This type of customer service should not exist anywhere, sad to have experienced it. We won't be back nor will we patronize this place again. Hoping management reads this and makes changes.
Daniela W.
Jun 22, 2017
This place is a string player's DREAM. There are so many great instruments, the staff is great, not to mention their antiques and cool cases. They even had a gamba cello! Their repair shop is pretty cool too. I got my bow rehaired and my bow eyelet fixed here, and it works wonderful! Will be coming back if I need repairs on my cello or anything :
Thomas C.
May 25, 2017
Anna T.
Dec 29, 2016
This place is incredible! It's like a museum that specializes in only string instruments. The staff takes care and time in answering any questions you might have. My son upgraded to a full size violin. We met with his instructor there and was put in a room so that we can try several violins. We were there for over two hours and never were we rushed out of the room. If you are looking for a violin, you must stop in this place. I will never step foot into a "general" music store again. Highly recommended!
