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Kapeller Violins, LLC was founded in 1978 by Stephen Kapeller. Mr. Kapeller had an interest in instrument repair from his student experience with a luthier in Orange, NJ. His training included several years of study under Karl Roy, Hans Nebel, Arnold Bone and William Salchow. Mr. Kapeller studied cello with Ed Szabo and William Stokking at Rowan University and with Aldo Parisot at Yale.

Mr. Kapeller had a long teaching career, directed the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program and played with the Richmond Symphony for thirty years.
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This offers the flexibility of a much smaller initial financial investment, with the benefit of applying rental credit to a purchase. In our opinion, the best rental plans offer the option of purchasing from a broad stock of sale instruments. Further, purchasing a stringed instrument is a very personal choice.
The purchase of a stringed instrument is always a very personal one. There are good choices in every price range. Although it is not required, scheduling an appointment to see instruments enables us to give our best attention to your needs. This allows close comparison of several instruments in a given price range.
Britt Leeper is responsible for the day-to-day luthier activities. Kapeller Violins of Richmond is delighted to have Ms. Leeper's meticulous attention to detail and sense of responsibility to both the craft and our customers. For employment opportunities, please call (804) 233-0719 or email jkapeller@kapellerviolins.com.
Reviews (12)
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George Hughes
Aug 25, 2021
Jane is the best. This is the only place to get repairs or buy an quality instrument. Been working with them for at least 10 years with 2 students with different instruments, trust them completely.
Ben McGann
Feb 09, 2021
The staff I spoke with was friendly and helpful, however, when I showed up for the paperwork they asked for information that no music rental business would need to know. They asked for my SSN and bank account information. Called two other places and they said that they did not need such personal data. It is NOT a good idea to give your SSN and bank account information so freely. This should be obvious when another violin store two minutes up the road does not ask for that information. No thanks.
Jessica Stephens
Dec 22, 2020
Ms. Kapeller's very knowledgeable and very nice and was willing to fit me in on the last minute appointment to get my violin ready for my daughter in time for the school year. Would definitely recommend and would go back!
Cj C.
Nov 09, 2020
Wonderful, knowledgeable owner and fairly priced rentals, repairs, and sales of stringed instruments. If you have to wait a few minutes, then do so knowing that you will receive the same care and attention when it's your turn. The policies are designed to protect a small local business and in my view, are very reasonable.
Kenny Campbell
Nov 03, 2020
Rude, dismissive, unhelpful. was unwilling to even let me finish a sentence without interrupting, and did not provide any useful information. One of the most disappointing customer service experiences I have ever had.
Joshua Griffin
May 27, 2020
I am no expert in stringed instruments. The place seems quirky, I like quirky. It seems a bit like Ollivanders in Hogsmeade. She she's seems honest and down to earth. I like honest. An interesting olde Shoppe. I am not sure but it seems they care about helping young players. I'll try to update later. Update: After more than a year as a customer, I don't like their practices.

I went in for a broken string, and they said there were 9 cracks and it needed a lot of repair and costs a lot. It looked and played like the day we got it. We then said we had the maintenance plan, which took them a while to find. She gave me a very hard time for bringing the violin in on a hot day and went on and on about it. My car was at a normal temp. They do not have an automated billing system, which can lead to frustrations. In the end it does seem to more about the money for them.
Timothy Naff
Mar 13, 2020
Amazing service! They were reasonably priced and incredibly fast-working. The person up front was easy to talk to and understanding. The luthier did an amazing job on my cello, and my bow plays better than the day i got it. They helped me to sort through the list of things suggested and pick out the most urgent issues. Would recommend to anyone!
Shannon H.
Nov 09, 2019
I came in to get a cello for my daughter. When we came in we were told that she would be with us when she finished up with her customer. We waited around for 20 minutes while she had a conversation with this customer. We decided to leave because it did not seem assistance was in the near future.
Chris V.
Aug 15, 2019
They asked for a lot of personal information (SSN, bank account numbers, employer information) which I thought was entirely inappropriate for a $30/month rental. In addition, I asked how that information is protected and was told that there was no protection other than it wasn't "online." I left without completing the application. While I am sure it is a quality location for instruments, business practices need to be improved.
Rebecca Perkinson
Jun 16, 2018
I visited Kapeller Violins (they have more than violins!) after quite a long hiatus. Jane Kapeller greeted me warmly by name, even though she was busy helping another client. She assisted me as soon as it was convenient and possible. Kapeller's ALWAYS gives each client individual attention. Don't expect to walk out in 30 minutes or less. Proper instrument choice and repairs take time.

If you are in a rush, call and make an appointment. The business has fair and up front pricing for both their work and the accessories they keep in stock, and the proprietor will not steer you wrongly in regards to when to either rent or buy an instrument or a bow. No one will tell you to buy something unnecessarily. I am looking forward to returning to pick up my newly restored violin and bow later on this week!
Heather Southard
May 18, 2013
I have been working with the Kapellers for 25 years now. In the past, I have driven from as far away as South Carolina to have my violin repaired at their shop because I prefer their workmanship. They have always provided a top quality product and excellent service. I look forward to many continued years of doing business with them.
Chris L.
Jun 10, 2012
I wouldn't take my violin anywhere else. The staff are great. I just got back from checking out one sixteenth size violins for my son. I could definitely hear the difference between what kapeller offers vs another local music store. I was here a couple years back to have my bow rehaired and Jane could quickly tell that I had unwelcome bugs living in my violin case that was contributing to my bow hair problems. Support local businesses! If you are a string player/student, I highly recommend this place.