Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Violin Rentals, Sales & Repairs in Oklahoma City
Founded in 1954 by Herbert and Peggy Bagwell, we began as a small violin shop dedicated to making quality instruments accessible to families. Over nearly six decades, weve grown into Oklahomas premier destination for string instruments while maintaining our family-owned values. Our team includes trained luthiers who completed programs at the University of New Hampshire Violin Craftsman Institute, ensuring expert craftsmanship in every repair and customization. We pioneered rent-to-own programs that let families invest in instruments for long-term musical development.Today, led by Dena Bagwell and her family, we serve Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Yukon, and Mustang with transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and a commitment to music as an academic discipline equal to math and science. Our expanded facilities include private studios for local musicians, and we partner with regional institutions to promote music education through summer camps and community events.
Services
Violin Rentals
Viola Rentals
Cello Rentals
Bass Rentals
Instrument Repairs
Sheet Music Sales
Accessories Sales
Electric Violin Customization
Guitar Repair Services
Summer Music Camps
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- We offer teacher-approved instrument rentals with maintenance included.
- Our luthiers completed formal training at the University of New Hampshire Violin Craftsman Institute.
- We pioneered Oklahoma's first violin rent-to-own programs with flexible terms.
- We serve five Oklahoma communities with locally tailored music education support.
- We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees on all rentals and repairs.
Services
Violin Rentals
We provide monthly violin rentals starting at $25, including case, bow, and maintenance. Our teacher-approved instruments cater to all skill levels, with rent-to-own options available. Initial three-month payments ensure quality control while offering flexibility for evolving musical needs.
Instrument Repairs
Our trained luthiers handle all string instrument repairs, from bridge adjustments to crack restoration. We use traditional techniques learned at the University of New Hampshire Violin Craftsman Institute. Estimates require in-person evaluations to ensure accurate, customized solutions for each instrument.
Electric Violin Customization
As Oklahoma's exclusive Wood Violins dealer, we offer handcrafted electric violins designed by Mark Wood. Custom finishes and specialized features allow musicians to create unique sounds. Our inventory includes models like the Stingray and Viper Violin for professional and hobbyist players.
People
Herbert Bagwell
Founder
Co-founded Inter-City Violin in 1954 to make string instruments accessible for Oklahoma families. Established the company's educational mission and rent-to-own model that continues today.
Dena Bagwell
Current Owner
Carries on the family legacy as third-generation owner. Leads daily operations while expanding services to include modern electric instruments and community music education programs.
Questions
What rental instruments do you offer?
We rent violins, violas, cellos, and basses in all sizes with monthly rates starting at $25. Rentals include case, bow, and maintenance.
Do you repair instruments other than violins?
Yes, we repair all string instruments including cellos, violas, basses, and now offer guitar repair services by appointment.
Can I buy an instrument after renting?
Our rent-to-own program lets you apply payments toward purchasing a new or used instrument, with flexible terms for long-term needs.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Yukon, and Mustang with local pickups, deliveries, and community music programs.
Reviews (7)
Michael Mihalek
Jun 11, 2020
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The customer service is top notch. They never fail to take care of any issues we've had with our cello rental. If my child sticks with orchestra, I will deffinanty look at purchacing her first cello here.
Laurie Anderson
Apr 19, 2020
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Customer service was on par. They have moved to the northwest corner of nw 30th and classen. Entrance is the south side of the bldg. Parking is on the west side of the bldg. Ring the door bell and if it is not available just call to be let in. Turned in our viola for repairs today and we will see how it is when finished.
Cynthia Santiesteban
Dec 17, 2019
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The best service ever. My son's cello needed repair and Nick was wonderful. He did a great job it looks better than when we bought it. We definitely recommend it to anyone needing instrument repairs. Thank you Nick.
Steph P.
Jun 11, 2019
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Everyone here has been helpful and professional with the exception of Dena. I spoke with a male employee approximately 5 days ago and made payment arrangements. Dena called me today, was incredibly rude, insisted she had talked to me two weeks ago (she hadn't), then accused me of lying. She refused to take my credit card payment when I questioned why the amount was more than the employee had told me 5 days ago. I hung up, called back, spoke to the male employee who remembered our conversation, and paid my bill. We will definitely not be renting our next instrument from here.
George Rogers
Oct 24, 2018
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Absolutely the best customer service I have ever experienced at any musical instrument store the people that work there could not have been nicer and understanding as I am a brand new beginner playing left-handed they answered every question I threw at them and we're very knowledgeable and very kind I don't care what I buy from now on I will go to nobody else
Isabel Pinto
Apr 24, 2018
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Customers since 1990! We love this place. They offer the best instruments and advice in the city. You can't be wrong doing business with them. I highly recommend Inter City to any one
Sarah Copeland
Nov 25, 2017
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I've been renting my daughter's viola here for six years. The staff is always friendly and helpful with anything from sizing up to changing strings and repairs. I recommend them to everyone looking for a place to rent a string instrument. They donated items to our school orchestra fundraiser too! Great people! Thank you!