Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for String Instruments & Expert Services
Ifshin Violins has been a trusted name in the world of stringed instruments since 1981, founded by master luthier Jay Ifshin. Our expertise spans over four decades, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to serve musicians of all levels. We specialize in handcrafted Jay Haide violins, violas, cellos, and basses, offering exceptional quality at accessible prices. Our full-service workshop provides expert repairs, restorations, and appraisals, supported by artisans with an average of 26 years of experience. We pride ourselves on personalized service, ensuring every customer finds the perfect instrument through our extensive rental program and expert sizing guidance.With a global reputation for excellence, we cater to students, professionals, and collectors alike. Our commitment to quality is evident in every instrument we craft, every repair we perform, and every customer interaction. We maintain transparency in all dealings, offering clear pricing and honest appraisals grounded in deep market knowledge. Our team's dedication to advancing the art of violin making continues to shape the industry. This enduring legacy of craftsmanship and customer care defines our identity and drives our ongoing success.
Services
Instrument Rentals
Repairs
Appraisals
Jay Haide Instruments
Sales
Sizing Guidance
Restorations
Expert Consultation
String Sales
Case Accessories
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of experience in violin craftsmanship and repair services.
- Our Jay Haide instruments combine handcrafted quality with accessible pricing.
- Expert repair team with 26 years average experience in instrument restoration.
- Comprehensive rental program with personalized sizing and selection guidance.
- Professional appraisals based on deep market knowledge and industry expertise.
What people say
Superior instrument quality
Expert repair work
Knowledgeable staff
Perfect sizing guidance
Excellent value
Services
Instrument Rentals
We offer comprehensive string instrument rentals for all skill levels, featuring student models and premium Jay Haide instruments. Our program includes violins, violas, cellos, and basses in various sizes with expert sizing assistance. Monthly rates start at $22 for student violins and $115 for professional bass rentals.
Repairs
Our expert repair shop handles everything from minor adjustments to full restorations, staffed by luthiers with 26 years average experience. We specialize in vintage instrument restoration while maintaining modern playability standards. Each repair receives personalized attention to preserve the instrument's tonal integrity.
Appraisals
Professional appraisal services assess instrument value based on maker, condition, and market factors. We provide detailed evaluations for insurance purposes and offer market guidance for potential sales. Our expertise covers both contemporary and historical instruments with transparent assessment criteria.
Jay Haide Instruments
Our signature line features handcrafted violins, violas, cellos, and basses made from premium tonewoods with meticulous attention to detail. Available in multiple quality tiers, these instruments deliver superior tone for students and professionals. Each instrument undergoes rigorous setup for optimal playability before sale.
Sales
We offer extensive selection of new and vintage string instruments from renowned makers worldwide. Our inventory includes rare antique pieces alongside modern masterworks. Every purchase includes expert consultation to ensure proper instrument matching for the player's skill level and needs.
People
Jay Ifshin
Founder
Master luthier Jay Ifshin established the shop in 1981 after studying at the Violin Making School in Salt Lake City. With decades of experience crafting fine instruments, he developed the acclaimed Jay Haide line that revolutionized accessible string instrument quality.
Haide Lin
Workshop Foreman
Master craftsman Haide Lin leads our repair and restoration department, bringing extensive expertise in violin making and restoration. With 26 years average experience among our team, he ensures every instrument receives meticulous attention to detail and preservation of tonal qualities.
Questions
What makes Jay Haide instruments special?
Jay Haide instruments combine handcrafted quality with accessible pricing, using premium tonewoods and traditional techniques developed by master luthiers.
Do you offer instrument repairs?
Yes, our expert repair shop handles everything from minor adjustments to full restorations with artisans averaging 26 years of experience.
How does the rental program work?
We offer student and professional instruments with personalized sizing, monthly rates starting at $22, and expert guidance to find your perfect match.
Can you appraise my instrument?
Our professional appraisals evaluate maker, condition, and market value factors for insurance or sale purposes with transparent assessment criteria.
What are your business hours?
We're open Tuesday-Friday 10:30 AM-5:00 PM and Saturday 10:30 AM-4:00 PM. Appointments recommended for specialized services.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Wonder M.
May 14, 2022
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I'm looking for a new violin and so far Ifshin has the best trial experience. Good trial room (in many other places there are 100 violins in the same room, they all resonate), can talk with the person who knows inventory, plays the instrument and knows a lot on the subject. If looking for a new instrument - definitely must visit them.
Tiffany C.
Apr 16, 2022
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This place is beautiful. It's huge and bursting with instruments and books and other string instrument related supplies. The staff were super attentive and kind even though our 2 year old basically spent the entire time running and screaming through the store. Love it here.
Rene M.
Nov 05, 2021
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Very pleasant experience renting my daughter's violin from there. Excellent customer service and reasonable prices!
Kyoko J.
Oct 10, 2021
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This is my LAST TIME I ever go to Ifshin violins. I have once again had to deal with the same RUDE, TERRIBLY MEAN, and CONDESCENDING lady at the front desk (Older Caucasian female with white hair and glasses). She has been working there for many years and enough is enough. A review was written about her just 28 days ago and I know exactly who they are talking about. I have watched her be rude to every single customer who walks in that store and it's UNACCEPTABLE and SHAMEFUL.
She claimed I didn't have an appointment when she was the one who emailed me to schedule! She is THE RUDEST sales lady I have ever dealt with and it is such a shame because all the other staff are so helpful and kind. Like the luthier I spoke to today was extremely helpful and I had to watch in discomfort while this same rude lady made him uncomfortable. Must be very hard on her colleagues. The condescending lady is somehow ALWAYS WORKING and always picks up the phone which is very unfortunate. I have always had a great experience with every other staff member but her. Good luck to Raphael, Felicity, and the others but I will never spend a single penny there again!
She claimed I didn't have an appointment when she was the one who emailed me to schedule! She is THE RUDEST sales lady I have ever dealt with and it is such a shame because all the other staff are so helpful and kind. Like the luthier I spoke to today was extremely helpful and I had to watch in discomfort while this same rude lady made him uncomfortable. Must be very hard on her colleagues. The condescending lady is somehow ALWAYS WORKING and always picks up the phone which is very unfortunate. I have always had a great experience with every other staff member but her. Good luck to Raphael, Felicity, and the others but I will never spend a single penny there again!
Jeniffer C.
Aug 17, 2021
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Love this beautiful little shop. Rental prices are fair and the service is excellent- sad to say but that is hard to come by these days here in CA. Took my 9 year old to upgrade to a bigger violin and they took care of everything while getting my kid to laugh. It was such a good experience from start to finish!
Annie S.
Jul 21, 2021
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I started coming to Ifshin for violin repairs and most of the staff have been extremely kind and helpful (Raphael, the main lady at the front desk, etc.). However, when I pressed 4 to talk to someone about repairs and rentals (on the phone), the lady that picked up was rude, interruptive, and seemed to have her own agenda in mind. I understand that workers may be busy, but it is in no way appropriate to address clients in the way I was addressed today.
I called because I missed a call, and the woman that picked up was rude, condescending, and did not seem to care about how I was spending my time and effort. If this was the first time I visited Ifshin Violins, I would not come back. It is only because the other workers are so benevolent and caring that I gave this a 3 star. I am pretty tolerant in terms of customer service and attitude, but I today, I finished the phone call upset and not satisfied at all.
I called because I missed a call, and the woman that picked up was rude, condescending, and did not seem to care about how I was spending my time and effort. If this was the first time I visited Ifshin Violins, I would not come back. It is only because the other workers are so benevolent and caring that I gave this a 3 star. I am pretty tolerant in terms of customer service and attitude, but I today, I finished the phone call upset and not satisfied at all.
Mei G.
Jun 22, 2021
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We rented violin from ifshin for a few years. Their service is good. The customers can choose from a wide range of strings in the store.
