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Rodger has been making violins and violas since the age of 14, when he made his first one. The passion he developed at this young age has continually grown over the past 50 years and he has become a Master Luthier. Robert is also making a violin, to be completed this fall. Restoration of fine professional and antique instruments is a major part of the work of our violin shop.

Literally hundreds of instruments pass through our hands every year and our loyal customers bring or send us their precious instruments from all over the United Stated and internationally.
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Welcome to Stearns Violins, Inc., a fine violin shop in beautiful Hartville, Ohio, conveniently located near Akron, Canton, and Cleveland. We are a professional violin shop, specializing in violin making, restoration, repair, and instrument appraisal. We love our customers and your needs are important to us.
Building credit towards purchase with each payment, you can try a violin, viola, cello or bass without buying an instrument immediately. Playing a stringed instrument can be a very rewarding experience. On the other hand it can be painful and frustrating if the instrument is of poor quality, or is improperly adjusted.
If you are an Ohio customer you must select your county to apply the appropriate tax rate. The drop down does not always work correctly and therefore, for verification purposes, please type in your county. This will be verified with your address and processed appropriately by our office staff. I agree to pay as specified above for the rental of a string instrument outfit from Stearns Violins, Inc. 100% of the first year (12 months) of rental payments, and 50% of payments thereafter may be applied toward the purchase of a new instrument of equal or greater value (in the same instrument classification) from Stearns Violins, Inc. Rental instruments are not for sale.
Reviews (11)
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Carolyn Blessed Beyond Measure
Mar 25, 2022
This is a great place for violin and cello purchases, repairs and service. The staff are so friendly and helpful. This shop was recommended to us by my son's former cello instructor and we have used them for the last 4 years. So glad we found them. A little higher priced than some other places but worth it.
Ben Enyart
Aug 21, 2021
Stearns violins has always treated us fairly and with the utmost respect. Our school has used his instruments for going on 34 years and not because he is only violin shop but because of their integrity and professionalism. Stearns is the only one I will trust to do work on my personal instrument. I highly recommend their work because it is impeccable.
Ricardo S.
Aug 10, 2021
This small town string shop has the monopoly on the local school districts music program which I imagine is the only way this narcissistic family owned operation can exist. They welcomed this out of towner, Boston, with distrust and arrogance. I gave them a try with my bow and violin. I've been a successful musician and instructor for 27 years.

I worked in a few shops as well. The work done for me was not acceptable and they knew it! Instead of handling themselves professionally and considering my experience, the mgr implied I was lying. He called me "buddy" with an air of smugness and added, "go ahead and review us." In my 35 years being in string shops, I have never heard such egotism.

The work to my violin nearly destroyed it's sound. I took it to the maker and she was able to undo the damage Stearns had done. Fact: I left 3 courteous texts and 2 messages asking for an explanation. I was avoided. If you need a student violin contact Johnson String Company, a family owned shop with respect for their work and the players. Stearns shop does not, and has no competition in the area.

This abuse of power will be asked to answer a few questions under oath. I wish I could just let it go, but I have to pursue justice for the slander and damages this shop incurred on this unsuspecting new comer.
Renee Weiss
Aug 09, 2021
I was in for an evaluation of my instruments and was pleasantly surprised at their calm and thorough service. Very knowledgeable and I learned a few things while I was there :- He took as much time as was needed to look over the instruments before giving me the valuation. I recommend them.
Anthony Morello
Apr 27, 2021
Outstanding shop. Highest quality products and extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff. Also, they were very patient and supportive in our ~2 week evaluation/buying process, and allowed my family the opportunity to try out many violin options before making the final purchase with confidence. Highly recommended!
Jason Schwaberow
Jan 13, 2021
I would never recommend them for anything. They pair themselves with schools that require their students to take a music class, and then have the parents sign contracts for equipment with no knowledge of the total cost. But they would be happy to set you up with direct payments through your bank account all you have to do is give them total access to your bank account.

When you ask for a remaining total they can't provide one, but they will be happy to send you another monthly invoice with your next month's payment. I would never use any company that runs their business like the mafia. DO NOT RENT FROM STERNS!
Sarah Dutkiewicz
Nov 06, 2020
Unfortunately we had to return our violins due to lack of time. Stearns Violins has always had great service and a wide selection of stringed instruments. If we return to violins, we will return to Stearns!
Jarrett W.
Dec 10, 2019
Just wanted to give this review of ownership. My wife stops in and enquirers about a job opening. A month later the owner calls her and says how excited he is to get a hold of her and sets up an interview. She attends in front of four people. Seems a little extreme anyways they said they would reach out to her very soon and ect. After 4 days she calls and Sue tells her her job is on hold lol She reaches out to the owner Robert and of course he doesn't return her calls.

Next day she calls no answer at the store. My point behind this review is simple, be up front and honest, my wife turned down two jobs because she loves music. These people are shallow heartless people and I wouldn't give them a dime. Hope you guys enjoy the holidays.
Philip Sturdivant
Mar 26, 2019
This place is fantastic! I felt very welcomed from the moment I walked in, and the staff here is really a great group of people. The prices are fair, the products are quality, and I recommend this place to everyone that has any violin or cello need! I will definitely be back and thanks to Stearns for the tye dye bow for my daughter she going to love it!
Rebecca Tyler
Nov 23, 2018
Stearns has an incredible selection of fine professional to beginner instruments, cases and bows. Very knowledgeable luthiers for adjustments and restorations. Accommodating hours and an absolutely beautiful, sprawling showroom. Rental program here is great too.
Jonelle Hill
Mar 17, 2016
I ordered a violin from Stearns Violins for my 15-year-old violin student and they sent it to me immediately. However, my violin student was disappointed with the violin, as the style of the violin that they had chosen was rather new, and she had wanted something older and more worn. I dreaded calling them to ask if we could exchange it. Much to my surprise, when I did call, they were SO accommodating and helpful.

They let me know it was no problem at all and that their priority is customer satisfaction! The owner, Roger, (the man I had dealt with all along) ended up getting a 1950's violin from his warehouse and re-worked the violin by replacing the fingerboard, pegs, and even re-stained some of it. And all of this was for the satisfaction of my student. He sent it as soon as it was done, and it arrived the next day. Wow!

When it arrived, my student was 110% happy! The violin plays beautifully, is solid, and both of us are happy we chose Stearns Violins for such an important buy! My student loved how he had re-done it, and it was totally what she had in mind. Also, while we waited on him to get the 2nd violin ready, he let her continue to use the violin he had originally sent. Stearns violins went over and beyond. My student and I say a HUGE THANK YOU! We Would recommend Stearns Violins to anyone!