Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Premier Source for String Instruments & Music Services
At Vermont Violins, we have dedicated over 30 years to becoming a trusted authority in string instruments, rentals, and music education. Founded in 1994, our expertise spans violin, viola, cello, and harp sales, rentals, and repairs, supported by a team of professionally trained luthiers and educators. We prioritize sustainability through FSC-certified products and environmentally conscious alternatives like Sonowood, ensuring our practices protect natural resources while maintaining instrument quality. Our rental program, recognized as one of the most flexible in the industry, serves students and professionals across the continental U.S., with mail-order convenience and equity-building benefits.Committed to community enrichment, we sponsor youth music programs and donate a portion of profits to local arts initiatives. With two physical locations in Vermont and New Hampshire, plus nationwide shipping, we combine technical excellence with personalized service to meet the needs of musicians at every stage of their journey.
Services
Violin Rentals
Harp Sales
Instrument Repairs
Music Lessons
Accessory Sales
Financing Options
Mail-Order Service
Luthier Consultations
Trade-In Programs
Sustainability Services
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of expertise in string instruments and music education.
- Our FSC-certified sustainability practices protect natural resources without compromising quality.
- Flexible financing options with low interest and no down payment.
- Nationwide mail-order rentals and purchases with free shipping.
- Expert luthiers trained at top violin-making schools nationwide.
Associations and certifications
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
What people say
Knowledgeable staff
Excellent service
High-quality instruments
Positive experience
Hassle-free process
Services
Violin Rentals
Our equity-building rental program offers violins, violas, cellos, and basses for students and professionals. Payments apply toward future purchases, with flexible terms and nationwide shipping. Competitive pricing ensures accessibility for all skill levels.
Harp Sales
We sell lever and pedal harps, including pre-owned models and specialized accessories. Custom orders and virtual consultations help clients find instruments suited to their skill level and budget.
Instrument Repairs
Expert restoration and maintenance by graduates of top violin-making schools. Services include rehairing, bridge adjustments, and soundpost installations, with mail-order options for remote clients.
Music Lessons
In-person and virtual harp lessons, plus guidance for sizing instruments for children. Our staff includes professional musicians dedicated to fostering musical growth at any age.
Financing
Flexible financing options with terms from 6 to 60 months, featuring low or no interest and quick approval. No down payment required for qualified applicants.
People
Kathy Reilly
Owner
A professionally trained violist, Kathy brings decades of expertise in instrument selection and music education. She personally consults clients on instrument purchases and repairs.
Adam
Luthier & Educator
A skilled viola player and repair specialist, Adam provides expert consultations and demonstrations. His technical knowledge ensures clients receive instruments matched to their skill level.
Questions
What does your rental program include?
Our rentals include instruments, maintenance, and flexible terms with equity-building payments applicable to future purchases.
Do you ship instruments nationwide?
Yes, we offer secure shipping across the continental U.S. with tracking updates provided throughout the delivery process.
What repair services do you offer?
We provide rehairing, bridge adjustments, soundpost installations, and full restorations by professionally trained luthiers.
Are financing options available?
Yes, we offer plans from 6 to 60 months with low or no interest, no down payment, and quick approval.
Do you support sustainability?
We use FSC-certified products and Sonowood, a sustainable alternative to ebony, to protect natural resources.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Ginger Heidel
Apr 23, 2022
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"We've been part of the instrument rental program with Vermont Violins for more than 8 years, and we've been so pleased with the instruments, the customer service, and the value. Our daughter rented her first viola from Vermont Violins at age 7. As she grew, the staff at Vermont Violins helped ensure she had the right instrument for her size and playing level. We live in Savannah, Georgia, but the distance was not an obstacle.
We even had to utilize the insurance program once (whoops!) and the experience was hassle-free. One of the best aspects of the program is that you build equity with each rental payment. Now that we are ready to purchase an instrument for our daughter, we have substantial equity to apply toward a purchase. I have nothing but good things to say about the people and the products at Vermont Violins and I highly recommend their rental program."
We even had to utilize the insurance program once (whoops!) and the experience was hassle-free. One of the best aspects of the program is that you build equity with each rental payment. Now that we are ready to purchase an instrument for our daughter, we have substantial equity to apply toward a purchase. I have nothing but good things to say about the people and the products at Vermont Violins and I highly recommend their rental program."
Ana Lilia
Jan 24, 2022
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Thanks for one easy and pleasant trasaction, awesome store! highly recommended super fast shipping, great price, packaging and Communication.
Judy Cox
Jan 17, 2022
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Great customer service and prices! When the violin case I chose as a gift was out of stock and shipping was delayed as with so many other things right now, Oliver kept me posted about the delays, and offered alternative suggestions about cases if we didn't want to wait. The case actually arrived sooner than they predicted. Will definitely shop here again.
Jennifer F.
Oct 30, 2021
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We had our violin repaired here and the shop did a very poor job and charged us too much for it. We had gotten it appraised at other locations stating that more would need to be done to actually repair it sufficiently. They did not recognize what needed to be done, repaired it inadequately and we had a much worse violin afterwards that essentially ruined its value. We would have been much better off having paid a bit more and having it done right. The owner is also not kind, not forthcoming and difficult to get a straight answer from. Won't be returning here unfortunately.
Katherine
Aug 08, 2021
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I went to Vermont Violins with the original intention of dropping my bow off for a rehair. Since I live about three hours away, I decided that "while I'm here, I may as well have a look around." I tried a couple of violins, one which I absolutely fell in love with and ended up taking home. I dealt with Kathy and Oliver, and I found them both to be very friendly and helpful. Even though I am very much a beginner, Kathy was very encouraging and even gave me a couple of contacts in my area for people I might be able to learn from. Overall very impressed and very happy that I made the trip!
Sharon
Jul 19, 2021
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We rented a viola for one of my children and was impressed with not only the quality but also the excellent service by Oren, Kathy, and Oliver. I would highly recommend them!
Andrew MacDowell
Nov 07, 2020
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Just visited their West Lebanon location and had a really great experience. Oren was thoroughly helpful and kind, even after I described myself as "whatever the term is for a novice who's never even touched the instrument". Advised me on my options and got me set up with a rental in no time. Thank you.
