Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Fine Musical Instruments
Founded in 1989, Classic Violins has grown from a small family operation to a trusted provider of fine musical instruments and services across two states. Our expertise spans instrument sales, repairs, and restorations, supported by decades of combined experience from our skilled luthiers and technicians. We specialize in personalized service, offering tailored solutions for students, educators, and professional musicians. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction is evident in every instrument we sell, every repair we perform, and every lesson we teach.We maintain rigorous standards in our workshops, ensuring instruments are meticulously set up and adjusted to meet individual needs. As a family-owned business, we prioritize building lasting relationships with our clients, providing educational resources and transparent guidance to help musicians at every stage of their journey. Our services include bow rehairs, instrument evaluations, appraisals, and rental programs designed to make music accessible to all.
Services
Instrument Sales
Repairs & Restorations
Music Lessons
Appraisals
Rental Programs
Bow Rehairs
String Replacement
Instrument Evaluations
Performance Optimizations
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized instrument setup and adjustments by experienced luthiers.
- Our family-owned business prioritizes individual connections and tailored service.
- We provide free instrument evaluations and written appraisals for insurance purposes.
- Our rental program accommodates students with flexible, budget-friendly options.
- We maintain a state-of-the-art workshop for repairs and restorations of all string instruments.
Services
Instrument Sales
We offer a diverse selection of string instruments including violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Our inventory features handmade instruments from our workshop, modern makers, and restored antiques. Every instrument undergoes meticulous setup by our luthiers to ensure optimal playability. We cater to all skill levels from beginner to professional musicians.
Repairs & Restorations
Our full-service workshop handles everything from routine maintenance to complex restorations. Services include crack repairs, soundpost adjustments, fingerboard dressing, and varnish restoration. We use traditional techniques and materials to preserve instrument integrity while extending their lifespan for both modern and antique instruments.
Music Lessons
We provide personalized music instruction for all ages and skill levels. Our experienced teachers offer lessons in violin, viola, cello, and other string instruments at both Mundelein and Racine locations. Lessons focus on technique development, repertoire building, and performance preparation tailored to each student's goals and learning style.
Appraisals
Our experts provide written appraisal documents for insurance, sale, or estate purposes. The process includes detailed examination, photography, and market analysis to determine accurate valuations for string instruments, bows, and antique pieces. We also offer travel documentation for international instrument transport.
Rental Programs
We offer flexible rental options for students starting with orchestra or band programs. Our rental instruments are professionally maintained and include size-adjustment options as students grow. We provide easy upgrade paths to higher-quality instruments as players progress in their musical development.
Questions
How do I determine the correct instrument size for my child?
We provide a comprehensive guide to help you select the right size for violins, violas, cellos, and double basses based on age and physical measurements.
Do you offer repair services for brass and woodwind instruments?
Yes, we provide ultrasonic cleaning, valve adjustments, pad replacements, and other repairs for brass and woodwind instruments in-house.
Can I try instruments before purchasing?
We offer private instrument trials in soundproof rooms and allow home trials with appointments for violins, violas, and cellos.
Do you buy used musical instruments?
We purchase used instruments based on condition and market demand, and also offer consignment services for sellers.
Are financing options available for instrument purchases?
Yes, we provide free financing options for qualified buyers on select instruments and accessories.
Do you offer music lessons for beginners?
We provide in-shop music lessons for violin, viola, cello, and other instruments with experienced instructors at both locations.
Videos
Reviews (6)
John Daugherty
Apr 12, 2022
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Within the past year, I've purchased both a new violin and a new bow from Classic Violins. In addition, I've taken my instruments there for repair and service numerous times, and I've never been disappointed. The service is consistently exceptional. I always enjoy my conversations with the staff, who are friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. We're lucky to have such a fine establishment in Mundelein, and it's a privilege to support them 100%!
Tara Banic Due Dolci
Oct 28, 2021
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I am a part-time professional violinist. Recently, I took my 31-year-old violin there this month for a long overdue cleaning and upgrade on accessories. This instrument is my pride and joy, so I wanted to make sure it was in expert hands. I was very pleased when Stephanie took the time to listen to my questions and then bring one of the violinmakers over to look at the violin. He made recommendations for cleaning, adjustments, and the right kind of new accessories, and he made sure I understood his advice.
They also did a beautiful job identifying and fixing a crack in my bow tip that I didn't know existed. The work was done two days sooner than they estimated, and my violin looks and sounds better than ever. They follow COVID protocols and were masking in the shop, for which I was grateful. I am delighted with the expert skill, fair pricing, and great customer service at Classic Violins!
They also did a beautiful job identifying and fixing a crack in my bow tip that I didn't know existed. The work was done two days sooner than they estimated, and my violin looks and sounds better than ever. They follow COVID protocols and were masking in the shop, for which I was grateful. I am delighted with the expert skill, fair pricing, and great customer service at Classic Violins!
Hannah Hwang
Nov 10, 2020
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Gloria was very courteous and prompt in guiding us to find just the right violin for our daughter. My son has been enjoying playing his cello which we got at this store about a year ago. Great customer service and a very lovely place and people. Thank you.
Kamila Lada
Jun 04, 2017
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I bought my first violin here and have had years of experience with this store prior to that life-changing purchase. The Classic Violin family cares so much about instruments and makes sure the customer is satisfied with what they are getting. The rapport has led me to bring back my violin for tune ups and not even risk going anywhere else, even when in college in Massachusetts; I would always wait to get all my violin and bow needs assessed here.
It all started with a teacher recommendation and now my younger sister is beginning her musical journey with the best quality violin related items from the get go. Thank you for being awesome and consistent.
It all started with a teacher recommendation and now my younger sister is beginning her musical journey with the best quality violin related items from the get go. Thank you for being awesome and consistent.
Kirsten Stromberg
Jun 29, 2016
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From the point of view of a violin teacher, and performer, who has lived and worked on three continents, I can wholeheartedly say that Classic Violins is outstanding. I truly have been able to count on their expertise and superior artistry. I commissioned both a violin and cello to be hand-made, masterfully, from wood that was seasoned so well the resonance is other-worldly. This investment has proven to be excellent; I am very happy with the instruments and my family feels that we have priceless treasures.
I used to be lucky enough to live within walking distance of their legendary multi-generational family business, and was able to help my students from nearby. Now that I am out of state, I know that I can still recommend them, and depend on their continued service; they are able to ship instruments and to take care of advanced students' needs as well as help the younger beginning students, or adult students whose instruments need repair and maintenance. They will always be my home away from home, and are worth the visit.
I used to be lucky enough to live within walking distance of their legendary multi-generational family business, and was able to help my students from nearby. Now that I am out of state, I know that I can still recommend them, and depend on their continued service; they are able to ship instruments and to take care of advanced students' needs as well as help the younger beginning students, or adult students whose instruments need repair and maintenance. They will always be my home away from home, and are worth the visit.
Music Beat
Apr 10, 2016
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I am very pleased with the customer service and quality of the violin I bought at Classic Violins. The Classic Violins team is very friendly and professional. The ease of buying an instrument and the care they took to help pick out the best fit for me, in terms of sound, price, make, etc, was truly amazing. There was no rush and no selling tactics. I appreciated the honest advice and knowledge sharing they provided. If you are a picky person (as I am), Classic Violins is THE place to go as they have a wide selection of quality instruments. Thank you Classic Violins!
