Petr's Violin Shop

Excellent business to purchase from. Highly recommend. Petr and his staff were great. Due to distance (like 4,200 miles), I had to purchase my Taylor K24ce Builders Edition Koa without playing it. Guitar owners know the risk here; not know how it sounds, how it feels when playing and photo images of a Koa guitars can be heavily scrutinized. Petr understood all of my concerns and worked with me to insure I would be completely satisfied.

He was a great example of what customer service is all about. And the staff I talked with over the phone were very genuine, kind and considerate. Seriously, my experience was absolutely great. On a side note; some negative reviews were associated to the policy of trying out the instruments. As a consumer, I get it, but I support the policy and find the negative ratings unjust. Look; my guitar cost over $5,600. I am grateful Petr does not allow just anybody to pick it up and just crank up on it. So rest assure your item is properly cared for while waiting a happy home.

As a father who didnt grow up playing string instruments, I wish i would have found this place sooner. They are very helpful and i learned alot. I bought my daughter a violin for her birthday and they were able to tell me all the things that I wished I had known before I bought it from from Amazon. They were super helpful at getting it to a playable state and I will definitely be buying a violin from them when the time comes. If you're thinking about getting a string instrument definitely start your search here 1st

In response to a review by Robert Carper earlier in this review thread, there is a very good reason why Petr, and his relative who started the Guitar Central before Petr took it over, put in place the policy of asking to handle instruments. First, I get it that you don't want anyone hovering over you while you're making a decision about a potentially expensive instrument.

Besides what it costs, guitars are a very personal matter that can last a lifetime. As one who has worked in retail selling various stringed instruments, I can tell you there are considerate customers who treat instruments gently, but there are far more who do not. One customer I recall worked as a mechanic or something, because he left grease and grime all over the guitar he played.

It took me an hour to get that stuff off of the new Martin D-28. Then there were the teens who came in recklessly swinging the guitars around to try each and smacking them against other instruments and walls - it wasn't sinister but just careless. Mind you, when the dealer receives instruments, they are paid for by the dealer and they are responsible for whatever happens after that until they're sold. Example: One customer who was playing a new strat said that he loved it and wanted to by it, but asked if there was another in the back that didn't have a slight buckle rash on it. So, there is a good reason for Petr's guitar handling policy.

I go in there often to try instruments and do not begrudge them having to ask them first before handling them. If you are courteous to Petr, and his staff, they will always respond in kind. One last thing: Mammoth Music will accept your return but for store credit only. No other music store in Alaska will offer store credit, much less cash refunds, and I DO think that's bad business, especially when Musician's Friend and Sweetwater charge very little to send instruments to Alaska, and they give a 30-plus day no questions asked return by check or store credit, minus a minimal restocking fee if its scuffed. Now that's good business!

I have brought Petr and his team many instruments for repairs and every time they have done an amazing job. A few of the instruments had catastrophic damage. One in particular (my Hamer Chaparral 12) was so bad I was not sure it was possible to fix. The fretboard had been almost ripped completely off and part of the neck splintered and stuck to it.

Not only did Petr fix it so well that you could not tell it was damaged, but he got it back to me with the best setup I have ever had on it. It plays beautifully. And he did it quickly. I love Petr's violin shop and guitar central for all the great service they have done for me over the years. I will recommend them (along with Ivan next door) to anyone who asks about guitar/bass work. Truly awsome.

Staff was both knowledgeable and seemed to genuinely care. We appreciated their attention to detail and recommendations. Petr is truly a skilled artist!

Petr is taking advantage of being one of the few violin shops in town. He is charging $63.00 for a pair of d'addario helicore full size violin strings. You can find them online anywhere from $33.00- $38.00. I am all about keeping a small business alive and don't mind an up charge to do so but come on. The strings don't even come in the original packaging so he is obviously getting them in bulk. Give us a chance to support you Petr's Violin Shop.

This is a great shop, the staff was very friendly and helpful. They have a great selection of violins and guitars and I was able to buy my first violin for a very good price and my sister was also able to get a ukulele. I highly recommend this store.

Great places for your local music needs. Professional staff with services available for customization and service. Really great to work with and willing to take the time to help you with your personal musical needs. Closed Sunday and Monday. Saturday is the best day for most of us. I'd rather buy from them than online stores!

I have needed a violin upgrade for years and everyone knows a good violin isn't cheap. Finally! I'm in the market for one. I have been doing business with Petr for years so he already basically knew my style. Petr has always had a pretty good selection and straight up I did shop around. I found what I wanted after 2 days of heart felt searching and playing. Petr even told me to my face if it's not the right one don't get it.

I found the right one, he showed a touch of mercy on the price and it feels good to feel good about a big purchase on an upgrade years in the making. I am a completely satisfied customer that walked away with the right instrument. Hopefully it doesn't take years for my next upgrade, regardless if it does I know where to go.

Great service, my family has purchased several acoustic guitars and a stratocaster from Petr's shop. I still regularly use the acoustic that was purchased about 5-6 years ago, no quality problems. Had a problem with one and he provided great service in getting it fixed. Great prices and support.