Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Violin Shop in Glendale, CA
Founded in 1972 by master violin maker Thomas Metzler, our shop has served musicians across generations with premium string instruments, expert repair services, and personalized musical guidance. Our team of professional violinists, luthiers, and educators brings decades of combined experience in instrument craftsmanship, performance, and pedagogy. We specialize in violins, violas, cellos, and double basses, offering both traditional and modern electric models to suit every playing style. Our repair department handles everything from basic adjustments to intricate restorations, while our rental program provides flexible options for students at all levels. With a curated selection of accessories, sheet music, and performance gear, we serve as a comprehensive resource for string musicians.Our Glendale location houses both a retail showroom and onsite workshop, allowing customers to witness instrument maintenance firsthand. We maintain partnerships with renowned brands like Thomastik-Infeld and Pirastro for premium strings and components. Our staff includes graduates from prestigious institutions like UCLA and Chapman University, ensuring expert guidance for every customer. Through our consignment program, we help musicians sell high-value instruments while maintaining strict quality standards. Committed to fostering musical growth, we host educational events and exhibitions that connect artists with quality instruments and resources.
Services
Violin Sales
Cello Rentals
Bow Repair
Instrument Appraisals
Music Accessories
String Selection
Case Sales
Sheet Music
Instrument Consignment
Performance Gear
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of expertise in violin craftsmanship and repair
- Our team includes professional musicians and certified luthiers
- We maintain onsite workshop for immediate repair services
- We provide rent-to-own options for student instruments
- Our consignment program handles instruments valued over $7,500
What people say
Exceptional rehair
Joy of music
Wonderful shop
Passion for music
Super friendly staff
Services
Violin Sales
We offer full-size and undersize violins for players at all skill levels. Our inventory includes traditional acoustic models and modern electric violins. Each instrument undergoes professional evaluation to ensure optimal playability and sound quality. Our sales team provides personalized guidance to help musicians find their perfect match.
Cello Rentals
Our rental program provides quality cellos for students and professionals. We offer flexible terms including long-term rentals and rent-to-own options. All rental instruments receive regular maintenance checks to ensure consistent performance. Our staff helps match each player with the appropriate size and model.
Bow Repair
Shawn, our bow specialist, provides expert rehairing and restoration services. We handle both wood and carbon fiber bows using premium materials. Our repair process maintains structural integrity while optimizing tension and balance. Appointments ensure timely service with personalized attention to each instrument.
Instrument Appraisals
We offer professional evaluation services for violins, violas, and cellos. Our appraisals consider craftsmanship, materials, and market value. This service helps determine insurance values or sale pricing. Our team's expertise ensures accurate assessments backed by industry knowledge.
Music Accessories
We stock essential accessories including strings, cases, and sheet music. Our selection features premium brands like Thomastik-Infeld and Pirastro. We carry shoulder rests, mutes, rosin, and fine tuners to enhance playing experience. Our staff provides recommendations based on individual playing styles.
People
Thomas Metzler
President/Founder
Master violin maker with 50+ years experience. Studied at Bavarian State Trade School. Established shop in 1972. Provides personalized attention to each customer.
Wesley
Shop Manager
UC Davis graduate and skilled violinist. Aspiring violin maker with expertise in customer service. Balances shop operations with family life.
Emily
Shop Manager
Australian native with Masters in Classical Performance. Organizes shop events including American Makers Exhibition. Brings international perspective to customer service.
Nico
Violin Specialist
Classically-trained violinist with BM from Chapman University. Transitioned to bluegrass fiddle. Provides expert guidance on violin selection and performance.
Anthony
Cello Specialist
University of Redlands graduate with teaching experience. Serves as Strings Coach at local schools. Combines performance expertise with customer service skills.
Questions
What types of instruments do you sell?
We specialize in violins, violas, cellos, and double basses, offering both traditional acoustic and modern electric models.
Do you offer repair services?
Yes, we provide expert repair services for string instruments and bows, including rehairing, restoration, and adjustments.
Can I rent an instrument?
We offer flexible rental programs with long-term options and rent-to-own possibilities for qualifying instruments.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call us at 818-246-0278 or visit our website to schedule appointments for repairs, rentals, or consultations.
Do you buy used instruments?
We accept consignment instruments valued over $7,500 and occasionally purchase instruments directly at wholesale prices.
Are music accessories available?
We carry premium strings, cases, sheet music, and performance accessories from top brands like Thomastik-Infeld and Pirastro.
Reviews (7)
Joy L.
Jun 16, 2022
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We visited Metzler Shop the first time and had a great experience. Their very professional and very accommodating. They made our experience very nice. My daughter loves her new viola and has been practicing a lot ever since we brought it home. We highly recommend to everyone to buy their string instruments at Metzler
Emily P.
May 06, 2022
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Haven't played much violin in some years but this was my go to strings store when I used to. There are several in LA--I've been to just about all of them--and none of them compare to Metzler. Here they're helpful, friendly, kind, and very reasonable.
Eldad Afik
Mar 29, 2022
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Kind, professional and helpful staff, and service. We've been advised to go to Metzler's by our kid's violin teacher at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Have been enjoying Metzler's services since 2018, and keep coming back. As our kid grows, we have rented/purchased/trade-in 3 violins and 2 violas. It's been always helpful to be offered to try several instruments of various price levels. This has allowed our kid, the teacher, and us, to find a good fit.
Kathy L.
Mar 16, 2022
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Love the store helpers. They help me to pick out a violin to rent and potentially buy. : I believe this is the only store that lets you rent out violins more than 1k.
Chrysa Kovach
Dec 09, 2021
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Highly knowledgeable staff with great customer service. Our new bass is a beautiful instrument. Shoutout to Emily and Julia for their great care and assistance!
Village Girl E.
Dec 01, 2021
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Really can't say enough good things about my experience here. I came in not sure what I wanted, but Emily was very patient with me as we went over instruments, pricing and plans. Plus they have a really great rental program for people like me that can't make up their minds! I have really enjoyed playing my violin daily since my visit and am glad I took the plunge back into being a musician!
Philip
Nov 24, 2021
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Walked in without an appointment. Helped me out. Great friendly staff. They even have some dedicated rooms they'll let you try out and take your time within various bows /violins/cellos. They even have a room outfitted with Electric Violins & amps. They also installed my new strings on the spot. Customer for life now
