Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Musical Instruments & Repair Services
The Instrument Doc was founded in 1999 by Chris Bluemel as The Instrument Doc, LLC, initially establishing itself as a premier band and orchestra instrument repair shop in the southeastern United States. In 2016, the company rebranded to better reflect its expanded mission of supporting the Lowcountry's orchestral community, including serious students, amateurs, and professionals. Our expertise spans instrument repair, sales, and leasing, with a focus on maintaining high standards for quality and service. We prioritize partnerships with educators and offer exclusive discounts for students transitioning to full-size instruments. Our inventory includes a diverse selection of guitars, orchestral strings, band instruments, and ukuleles from renowned brands like Kala, KoAloha, and Lanikai.We specialize in string instrument repairs but also service brasswind and woodwind instruments for existing clients and professionals. Our lease program provides month-to-month agreements with included accessories and maintenance benefits. Located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, we serve the Greater Charleston area with convenient access to our shop. Our commitment to quality ensures instruments meet rigorous repair standards, avoiding subpar work that could hinder musical progress. With over two decades of experience, we combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of the local music community's needs.
Services
Instrument Repair
Instrument Sales
Instrument Leasing
Ukulele Selection
String Maintenance
Brass Repair
Woodwind Repair
Educator Support
Size Exchange Program
Accessories Sales
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialized expertise in string and orchestral instrument repair
- Exclusive student discounts for transitioning to full-size instruments
- We maintain strict repair standards to prevent subpar instrument quality
- We carry the Lowcountry's largest ukulele selection from premium brands
- Our lease program includes free size exchanges and 20% purchase discounts
Services
Instrument Repair
We provide expert repair services for string, brasswind, and woodwind instruments with strict quality standards. Our technicians focus on restoring instruments to playable condition while maintaining structural integrity. We specialize in repairs for professional musicians and existing clients, ensuring instruments meet our rigorous performance requirements.
Instrument Leasing
Our month-to-month lease program offers violins, violas, cellos, and basses with no rent-to-own obligations. Includes instrument, bow, case, and rosin with free size exchanges. Lease customers receive discounted repair rates and 20% off future instrument purchases.
Ukulele Sales
We offer the Lowcountry's largest selection of ukuleles from premium brands like Kala, KoAloha, and Lanikai. Available in soprano, concert, tenor, and specialty models including banjolele and guitalele. Our inventory spans entry-level to professional instruments with expert guidance for all skill levels.
String Instruments
We sell and repair violins, violas, cellos, and basses from brands like Eastman and Krutz. Our inventory includes student, intermediate, and professional-grade instruments with matching bows and cases. We provide expert setup and maintenance services for all string instruments.
Educator Support
We specialize in supporting local music educators with instrument sales, repairs, and leasing programs. Our partnerships with schools help students access quality instruments and maintenance services. We offer exclusive discounts for classroom needs and student instrument upgrades.
People
Chris Bluemel
Founder
A former US Army musician with 20+ years experience, Chris established The Instrument Doc in 1999. He has coordinated Charleston TubaChristmas events for 20 years and teaches at Villanova University's String Repair Workshop. Published author of 'Guide to Brass Musical Instrument Repair' and active performer with Charleston Symphony Orchestra.
Questions
What instruments do you lease?
We lease violins, violas, cellos, and basses with month-to-month agreements. All leases include instrument, bow, case, and rosin.
Do you repair wind instruments?
Yes, we repair brasswind and woodwind instruments for existing clients and professionals, but don't service school-owned instruments below our quality standards.
What ukulele brands do you carry?
We stock Kala, KoAloha, Lanikai, Ohana, and Teton ukuleles in all sizes including specialty models like banjolele and guitalele.
Do you offer student discounts?
Yes! We provide exclusive discounts for students transitioning to full-size instruments, including 20% off purchases for lease customers.
What are your repair standards?
We only perform repairs we can guarantee quality for. We don't offer 'a la carte' repairs that might compromise instrument performance or student success.
Where are you located?
We're located at 502 Wando Park Blvd. Unit 106, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, near I-526 and Long Point Road.
Reviews (4)
The Companions
Jun 14, 2022
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Bought my viola here in 2016 and it's lasted me through college. Excellent quality for such an affordable price.! Love it here.
Jason Shepherd
Apr 10, 2022
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Staff was very helpful and patient as my daughter tried out various cellos. Their rental agreement is fair. We will be back to buy for my daughter at the start of the school year.
B. Aton
Feb 23, 2022
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Very pleased with the staff here. They were very helpful and the prices were better than anywhere else in the county
Hulon Ferris
Feb 14, 2022
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It took a bit longer than originally quoted for my sax repairs. My horn was also covered in fingerprints when I got it back. But the pre-work estimate was on point, the staff was EXTREMELY polite and helpful. I think I worked with Erin and she is a sweetheart.