Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premium Violins and Music Services in Livingston, NJ
Founded in 1973 by Richard E. Menzel, our business combines aerospace-inspired precision with decades of luthier expertise to deliver exceptional string instruments and services. Richard studied under renowned violinmaker Carleen Hutchins and championed ethical practices by rejecting industry-standard kickbacks that artificially inflate prices. As a family-owned business now led by Mo Menzel, we continue this legacy of integrity while expanding access to music through educational programs, community events, and curated instrument collections.Our team brings over 50 years of combined experience in instrument repair, restoration, and pedagogy, serving musicians at every skill level. We maintain rigorous quality standards by personally selecting each instrument for its tonal excellence and craftsmanship, ensuring fair market values that protect customers' investments. This commitment to transparency and artistry has established us as trusted authorities in the string instrument community.
Services
Violin Sales
Viola Sales
Cello Sales
Instrument Repair
Music Lessons
Workshops
Recitals
Restoration
Appraisals
Community Events
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of expertise in violin craftsmanship and ethical retail practices
- Our instruments are selected through rigorous tonal and structural quality assessments
- We provide comprehensive services including expert repairs and personalized lessons
- Our family legacy maintains strict anti-kickback policies for fair pricing
- We host community music events and educational workshops for local musicians
What people say
Exceptional craftsmanship
Transparent pricing
Knowledgeable staff
Community support
Quality instruments
Services
Violin Sales
We curate premium violins from European and American makers, emphasizing tonal quality and craftsmanship. Each instrument undergoes strict evaluation for structural integrity and acoustic performance. Our collection includes historic pieces and modern creations suitable for classical, traditional, and carnatic playing styles while maintaining transparent pricing.
Instrument Repair
Our technicians handle all repair needs using traditional luthier techniques. Services include crack repairs, soundpost adjustments, and restoration of aged instruments. We maintain original character while improving playability, using materials matching each instrument's construction era and style.
Music Lessons
Experienced instructors provide tailored lessons for violin, viola, and cello players of all skill levels. Our teaching approach combines technical mastery with musical expression, supported by our on-site practice facilities and performance opportunities through recitals and jam sessions.
Community Events
We host regular recitals, workshops, and free jam sessions to foster musical growth. These events create networking opportunities for local musicians while showcasing our instruments in live performance settings, enhancing community engagement with classical and contemporary string music.
Instrument Appraisals
Expert evaluations determine fair market value for insurance, sale, or inheritance purposes. Our appraisals consider maker history, condition, tonal quality, and market trends. We provide detailed documentation supported by our extensive industry knowledge and historical instrument database.
People
Richard E. Menzel
Founder
Aerospace quality control expert turned luthier, Richard developed innovative repair techniques and studied under Carleen Hutchins. He led the Catgut Acoustical Society for 25 years and established ethical pricing standards that remain industry benchmarks.
Mo Menzel
Owner
Continuing her father's legacy, Mo expanded accessibility through community programs while maintaining strict quality standards. She curates inventory with ethical sourcing practices and oversees daily operations including educational initiatives and instrument selection.
Questions
What types of instruments do you sell?
We specialize in violins, violas, and cellos from European and American makers, focusing on quality tonewoods and authentic craftsmanship for classical and traditional playing styles.
Why don't you sell Chinese-made instruments?
We avoid instruments with low-quality wood that degrades over time, ensuring our customers receive durable instruments that maintain their value through proper construction standards.
What repair services are available?
Our full repair services include crack restoration, soundpost adjustments, and complete restorations using traditional luthier methods matched to each instrument's construction era.
Do you offer music lessons?
Yes, we provide private instruction for all skill levels with experienced teachers focusing on technical mastery and musical expression in various performance styles.
How do you ensure ethical pricing?
We reject teacher kickbacks and commissions that artificially inflate prices, offering instruments at fair market value based on quality, condition, and provenance documentation.
What community programs do you host?
We organize recitals, workshops, and free jam sessions to support local musicians, providing performance opportunities and networking in a welcoming musical environment.
Reviews (7)
Nikolay V.
Mar 25, 2022
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This place is the gem. No one has the honest approach in a violin shopping industry except this talented and dedicated owner. She was desperately trying to find the best sounding violin regardless of the price. We spent there more than 2 hours trying to play many violins from different price ranges and found just one that perfectly matched our criteria. And surprise! We saved thousands dollars just because we were lucky enough to visit this store. Don't MISS your opportunity! Highly recommended!
R. B.
Jan 11, 2022
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I am giving Mo Violins a 5 out of 5 for every aspect of her establishment. If I could give a 10 out of 10 I would. First, she is a very honest business owner and her prices are most reasonable. She is not trying to price gouge in this very "expensive" market. Her ethics and capabilities are beyond compare. She will not only sell you a great violin or other instrument, she is present for you when you come upon a question or need an adjustment about your instrument.
After buying a violin from her, months later I realized I had used a very damaging rosin that I purchased online. She patiently cleaned my bow, using expertise and tenderness, for as long as she needed to fix the bow and make my violin sing again. Her standards are very high and Mo is extremely motivated to make you a satisfied and happy customer. I would not go anywhere else to purchase a violin or other instrument. I would even go out of state to get to her.
After buying a violin from her, months later I realized I had used a very damaging rosin that I purchased online. She patiently cleaned my bow, using expertise and tenderness, for as long as she needed to fix the bow and make my violin sing again. Her standards are very high and Mo is extremely motivated to make you a satisfied and happy customer. I would not go anywhere else to purchase a violin or other instrument. I would even go out of state to get to her.
Kait R.
Oct 18, 2021
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Excellent. Mo spends the time to know exactly what you're looking for. Not only is she tremendously helpful, but she is personable and fun to work with. I left Menzel Violins with everything I needed to start playing and it was under my budget. I'm so excited to learn to fiddle!
Ivan Zheng
Sep 19, 2021
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Menzel Violins is an amazing place. From the decor to the service provided, everything was top notch and a great experience. Our host was extremely nice, presented me with multiple options within my price range to choose from, gave us a great deal, and I ended up walking out of the store with a violin I was happy with. Would definitely recommend anyone looking for a good instrument to check out!
George Hatziemanuel
Sep 13, 2021
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First of all the store is just beautiful and just very pleasant to be in, but more importantly Mo was awesome! I went in looking to upgrade from my beginner violin to a more advanced one and she literally spent over an hour and a half with me choosing and playing almost every violin in the store. Just a great experience and the store has a lot of great inventory at every price point. Highly, highly recommend. Thanks Mo!
Erika Emery
Aug 28, 2021
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Went in today without an appointment (note: be sure to call ahead!) and was immediately helped with the task of finding a new viola bow. Owner was very honest and upfront about pricing, and remaining within my budget, and while recommendations were made to upgrade my viola, they also respected that I was only presently interested in a new bow. I'm recently getting back into playing and I'll definitely be making the drive up again for future services and purchases.
Shanna Echeverry
Jun 26, 2021
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The place was absolutely stunning from the moment I walked in. Mo instantly helped me with replacing a cello string and even tuned the cello fully! It was amazing to have someone help me out during such a stressful time. She is a natural when it comes to connecting with her customers. The service she provided me with is like no other. There is no place I would rather go! I hope I get an excuse to go back soon! Highly highly recommend her! Amazing, took her time and made sure I was satisfied before I left. She also gave me some great advice for playing and making it through music school. Thank you Mo!
