Business Details
23 Years
experience
Trusted String Instrument Sales, Repairs & Rentals in Philadelphia
Mount Airy Violins & Bows is a cooperatively-owned and operated violin shop dedicated to improving lives through access to music. Established in 2003, we specialize in the sale, repair, and commissioning of violins, violas, cellos, and bows, serving musicians of all skill levels. Our team of experienced luthiers and musicians brings decades of combined expertise in instrument craftsmanship, restoration, and performance. We prioritize personalized service, offering tailored recommendations for instruments and bows, while maintaining rigorous quality standards for rentals and sales.Our commitment to community extends to educational resources, instrument care guidance, and partnerships with local music educators. As working musicians ourselves, we understand the emotional and technical demands of playing, ensuring every client receives honest, informed support. We uphold transparency in pricing, repairs, and appraisals, fostering trust through clear communication and ethical practices. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment where musicians can explore, learn, and thrive.
Services
Violin Sales
Bow Repairs
Instrument Rentals
Commissions
Appraisals
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- Our team includes luthiers trained by master bowmakers in Paris, Brussels, and New York.
- We offer rental credit toward future instrument purchases with included protection plans.
- Personalized bow commissions tailored to your playing style and tonal preferences.
- Staffed by working musicians who understand the technical and emotional needs of players.
- Transparent repair assessments with clear cost and timeline communication.
What people say
Knowledgeable staff
High-quality instruments
Personalized service
Reliable repairs
Patient experts
Services
Violin Sales
We offer a curated selection of violins from modern makers and affordable vintage instruments, all meticulously adjusted for optimal sound and playability. Our inventory caters to beginners, advancing players, and professionals seeking lifetime instruments. Each violin undergoes rigorous setup by our staff to ensure tonal quality and ease of use.
Bow Repairs
Specializing in bow rehairs, recambering, and restoration, our experts use premium materials like hand-selected horsehair and rare woods. Services include ferrule repairs, frog adjustments, and abalone inlay work, preserving both functionality and aesthetic value for violin, viola, and cello bows.
Instrument Rentals
Our rental program provides high-quality, teacher-approved instruments for students at every level. Options include violins, violas, and cellos from 1/16 to full size, with flexible plans starting at $43.20/month. Renters earn credit toward future purchases and receive complimentary maintenance under our protection plan.
Custom Commissions
Elizabeth Vander Veer Shaak creates handcrafted bows tailored to individual playing styles, using materials like Brazilian wood and mastodon tusk. The commission process involves collaborative design consultations, progress updates, and a trial period to ensure the bow meets the musician's tonal and technical needs.
Appraisals
We provide detailed appraisals for insurance, sale, or restoration purposes, assessing maker, condition, and historical context. Services include verbal evaluations, written estimates, and documentation of restricted materials for international travel compliance, performed by our experienced luthiers.
People
Elizabeth Vander Veer Shaak
Bowmaker and Founder
Trained in Paris, Brussels, and New York, Elizabeth has over 40 years of experience crafting award-winning bows. She established Mount Airy Violins & Bows in 2003 and continues to innovate while preserving traditional techniques.
Benjamin DeCorsey
Member-Owner
A graduate of Lawrence University, Benjamin combines expertise in violin making with a decade of coffee industry management. He specializes in bench work and performs locally as a guitarist and Irish bouzouki player.
Thuy Nguyen
Member-Owner
With a degree in Music Management from The Hartt School, Thuy brings 24 years of violin experience to her roles as teacher, freelancer, and performer. She oversees client relations and instrument evaluations.
Adam Oleksa
Member-Owner
A violinist for 30+ years, Adam specializes in classical and Scottish fiddling. He trained in bow repair with Shaak and has completed advanced courses in violin setup and restoration under renowned makers.
Charlotte Allen
Member
Charlotte applies her business and financial planning background to create a welcoming environment for musicians. She manages operations and fosters community engagement through art and music initiatives.
Questions
What types of instruments do you rent?
We rent violins, violas, and cellos from 1/16 to full size, with advanced-level options starting at 1/2 size. All rentals include cases and are teacher-approved.
Can I try an instrument before buying?
Yes! We offer in-store trials and week-long take-home trials. Long-distance clients may also arrange shipping for out-of-area evaluations.
Do you repair all string instruments?
We handle repairs for violins, violas, cellos, and basses, including soundpost adjustments, bridge replacements, and major restorations using state-of-the-art techniques.
How long does a bow rehair take?
Standard rehairs take one week, but we offer while-you-wait service (approx. 1 hour) for an additional $15 rush fee.
Can I commission a custom bow?
Yes. Elizabeth Vander Veer Shaak creates bespoke bows using rare materials. The process includes design consultations, progress updates, and a trial period before final purchase.
Do you provide appraisals for insurance?
We offer verbal appraisals at no cost and detailed written evaluations for insurance or sale, including documentation of restricted materials for international travel.
Reviews (6)
Jason Bobb
Jun 26, 2022
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What a great place for string players! We did the bow trial for my daughter, and will definitely be going back when we need an upgraded cello for her. They are extremely friendly and professional, and make you feel like you are their most important part of their day. Highly recommended!
Diane Roggen
May 31, 2022
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I have had consistently good experiences at Mount Airy Violins & Bows. Each employee excels in their role, from the business side (thank you Gina) through instrument and bow repairs to advising on a bow purchase. Many thanks to Efren and Adam for their work.
Alex Lindley
May 24, 2022
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I had high expectations for my appointment after seeing so many good reviews and reading their website, and they met and exceeded those. Gina was beyond helpful, I mentioned playing piano but never touching a string instrument and she made sure I had tape placed specific to what I do not know and what I would be able to figure out based on my prior musical knowledge. I was in and out with my rental violin in hand, paid for, all documentation signed, and all questions answered in maybe 20 minutes. Absolutely no judgement from the staff at a 24 year old male pharmacy student wanting to learn violin for the first time. Definitely go here!
Audrey Jaros
May 10, 2022
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I had a great experience the other day at Mount Airy Violins and Bows--the staff is incredibly polite, accommodating and knowledgable. They were able to accommodate me for the same day for a bow repair and I anticipated needing to wait the 30-60 min it would take for a repair-while-you-wait situation, but they opted to swap out the bow instead and took the time to look over the violin to provide new strings. All within about 15 min. The store itself has a very soulful atmosphere, as you are in an older home/building surrounded by beautiful instruments, so always a pleasure just stepping in the door.
Laura Jingyi Li
Jan 21, 2022
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I loved my experience choosing my violin at Mount Airy:) Thuy is the staff member who helped me. She is very warm, kind, and full of knowledge. She gave me advice on how to narrow done my choice as well as a list of violin teachers in my area. The place is well decorated with many small cute details. They are also doing a great job with keeping me feel safe during the pandemic- great ventilation, masked staffs, hand sanitizer, private shopping experience. Im very satisfied with my violin and would definitely recommend this place to my friends:)
Amanda C.
Dec 29, 2021
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Amazing shop! They were so helpful in my search for upgrading my violin and bow. I had several trials and they were great helping me through them. Thuy and Gina were kind and patient and I can credit them with making it easy to end up deciding to buy a lovely instrument! Thanks and I will be back!
