Two years ago we purchased our violins on line from The Bluegrass Shack. I did my research and thought they had a good price for beginner violins and as the children grow they will exchange them for the needed size or better quality giving you credit for the entire purchase price toward the new instrument (if the instrument has not been abused).
Two years have gone by and though we took them out occasionally, we are just now really beginning to learn. Jonas was difficult till he was almost 2, and then Johanna was the worst baby I’ve had, so to keep it short, I have not had extra time to devote to instruments.
Two years is a lot of growing time, and we needed those instruments exchanged for larger. We could probably do it through the mail but Chad encouraged me to go just to make sure what we got in return was a reasonable exchange.
We had such a good experience that I wanted to share it with you in case you are in need of bluegrass instruments. (The trade in program is for the violins, I’m not sure how they handle other used instruments.)
We got a later start than I planned, but I figured one hour was plenty of time and had even warned Jesse that he might not even have that long to look around (that was why he chose to take the 3 hour trip with me to Southern, IL).
We ended up being there for 2 hours! We could have stayed longer but it was already an hour past closing and they had somewhere they needed to go.
Here were my expectations… You take in the violins, tell them what you need, choose a couple books, get any accessories you are in need of, pay and off you go!
Here is what really happened…
Chris chose a couple instruments in the size and price range we were looking at, tuned them, played them for us so we could hear the sound, told us about them, told the prose and cons (for example, one instrument was better quality but she knew the case was worn) and why she would choose one over another. This was done for 3 instruments.
I asked about song books and instructional books. She showed me her preferred books and then took an instrument and showed me what would be learned and why she thought it was good for beginners.
She also gave me some pointers for questions I had. She patiently listened to the children’s chatter and had a box of toys for the children that had a little too much energy from their 3 hour trip.
Chris and her husband run their small shop selling new and used instruments, repairing instruments, and giving lessons. They live in a small apartment that is part of their building.
She obviously loves what she does and wants to help others enjoy their music as well.
So, if you are in need of a bluegrass instrument, I highly recommend The Bluegrass Shack. Whether you do business online or in person, they will do their best for you.
