Highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to rent or buy a string instrument. The owner seems to care more about customer satisfaction than money. The environment is warm and homey. An ideal place to go to for instrument shopping or rental.

Wonderful place. Alex is helpful and kind.

My family and I have been customers of the Violin Shop of Old Carmel for over 7 years now. From renting through the different sizes, purchasing, upgrading, repairs, and re-hairs, we have come to think of them like family. The owner and shop keeper are experienced musicians, and the owner is a violin maker who is happy to show you his current new build or restoration. They care about their customers and are the quintessential small business that you feel great about supporting!

As a cellist, I know the fear and anxiety that comes with giving someone your instrument for repairs. Its like taking your child to open heart surgery, I know! But since my first time visiting this shop some years ago, I have never had anxiety about a repair again.I bought my cello at this store. They have an amazing selection of instruments that you can choose from, varying in price a lot. You can get a lower-price student instrument, all the way to a very expensive professional instrument that will last you a lifetime. They dont sell even one instrument that isnt good quality, so youll never be screwed with a bad instrument. I bought my cello there about a year and a half ago, and will never go anywhere else. I honestly fear a day where I might move away from Carmel, IN because I dont want to leave this shop. About a month after buying my cello, my tailpiece broke, and I brought it in to be looked at. They replaced my tailpiece with their preferred tailpiece, and didnt even charge me anything since I just bought it.Yesterday morning I was sitting in a wider chair than usual, picked up my instrument, and hit the corner on the side of the chair, breaking it off. Assuming you play an instrument, you know exactly why I cried for a full 30 minutes. After collecting myself, and finishing my classes for the day, I went on their website and scheduled an appointment about 2 hours in advance. They got me in the shop, evaluated the damage, very calmly said oh, its just the corner. And I breathed a huge sigh of relief as I knew it was going to be fine. My cello was finished the next morning, and it only cost me $25. The luthier Alex did an incredible job repairing the corner, you honestly cant even tell it was broken unless youre really really close and specifically looking for it.I have heard a few people say that the workers come off as rude, or judgmental, however I find that is just because of the accent. Its run by two Russians, and they are some of the nicest people ever. They are not afraid to tell you that something is wrong, or wont work for you. I asked one day about a set of strings I thought sounded really nice on another cello, and I wouldve paid quite a lot of money for them, as theyre very expensive strings, and Vladimir (the man behind the desk who also does minor fixes) told me that the set I wanted wouldnt sound good on my cello, and that I shouldnt waste my money on them. I appreciated that so much! Because I know people that wouldnt care about my experience and just sell me them any way they could because theyre expensive. So they may sound a little scary at first, or tell you exactly like it is, but thats because they want nothing but the best for you. They are always willing to help you out.Booking an appointment online is a breeze. Their website is efficient and easy to use. You will get an email and a text confirming your appointment, and theyll even send you an email invoice where you can pay the fee straight from your phone.If you have never been to this shop, please go! You will not regret it. Theyre, as of the time of writing this, only open by appointment (because of COVID-19), but after this is all over, just walk inside because its amazing just to be in there. A whole wall filled with beautiful violins, and next to them a full rack of gorgeous cellos. I know how hard it is when you break your instrument and have to send it in to be repaired, because its your baby. Ive had 2 seams re-glued, and a corner fixed, along with many minor repairs, and they always do an incredible job, and dont even charge very much. These are the only people I trust to fix my cello.P.S. They also carry the Cello Suites, which I have yet to find anywhere else in Carmel. So if youre looking for Bachs 6 suites... they have it.

Im partial because Ive worked here for over 10 years. Im also picky and NOT a salesperson - unless I can stand behind what Im selling 100% with no moral, ethical or other type of internal dissonance. That being said, I have the experience to know that they offer excellent value and customer care for all of their products and services. Most importantly, they offer true expertise and craftsmanship - and anyone in the musical field knows what a rare treasure it is to find either of those qualities while shopping the world these days. They also give honest and fair advice and education to their clientele which is another one of those things hard to find in the world, especially in retail or sales. Theyre in this for the art of orchestral strings and classic traditions of education - to preserve history and quality and to pass the torch to the newer generations. This place is an amazing resource to anyone in the string community. Let me say too, the market for classical stringed instruments is TOUGH out there. Sadly (and hopefully its reversible!), its a dying art, especially with less and less support from communities and school systems forever needing to cut back spending due to fewer and fewer resources. I really think the longevity of the business and 30+ year staying power within this tight-knit string community of central Indiana speaks volumes to the value our patrons place in us. Were always happy to serve and seeking new opportunities to create meaningful relationships within the community. Im sure you wont be disappointed if you visit, and we certainly hope you do!

Everyone at this shop has always been very helpful. The quality of work is very good. I just had some work done on a second hand violin and it sounds 10 times better than it did before. I have always been happy with the instruments and the work done at this store.

This is the kind of shop that all stores should aspire to be like. The owner was very helpful and very patient. I told him what I was looking for and without hesitation he goes through his shop and gathers what is best for me. This shop is a rarity nowadays with all of the big box stores. Local business and superior service.

We have taken violin classes there for our daughter, rented violin for long time, bought violins, repaired multiple times, in addition to buying many accessories and books. Alex, the owner, is a man with absolutely high integrity. 100% honest good man, excellent professional luthier and violinist. If you want to repair your instrument, rent or buy one, do not go anywhere else, Alex is the ultimate. Trust him 100%, you will not be disappointed.

People are highly professional in music & musical string instruments (a little old school if you may) but the repairs are job well done! Their fees are very reasonable compared to other chain music stores whose associates do not even know anything about the instruments they sell! Nor other violin shops that have cut-throat prices to rip you off! They offer music classes too. Alex (the owner) is hands on whether its a one-on-one class or string repairs! Excellent people, excellent store!

Never had a problem going in there. The older gentleman has always been helpful, and the owner does great work. He repaired my instrument about 10 years ago when it split a seam. I fell out of playing shortly after, and only recently have used them again for a bow rehair and appraisal. The prices are reasonable, and I plan to go back for a better quality bow if I stick with playing again.

This is a wonderful shop! I purchased a cello here about 3 years ago and I have been happy with the instrument and service ever since. Mr. Zuckerman, a cellist, has provided lessons for me and I highly recommend him as a teacher.

Great, very professional. Small quaint shop, nice facilities for lessons. My son takes violin lessons there. Great rental prices.

The people here are so nice and knowledgeable!

Great service! Finding another shop like this is few and far between.

Wonderful musical instruction, instrument repairs and advice on all things strings.

I stopped in to ask some basic questions about violin for a new student. The staff were patient with my newbie questions and working with my kid to try on a violin and give him some time with it to see if he liked it.

Great service. My friends and I all play violin in the first few chairs in our orchestra in Carmel and we all get our instruments from here.

Great selection of high quality violin.

Knowledgeable staff, know their violins!!

Beautiful store with knowledgeable staff

Very friendly, very helpful and honest!

Outstanding.

Not friendly, combative