Los Angeles stands as a significant center for classical music and string instrument excellence, and finding the right violin stores Los Angeles area can transform your musical journey. Whether you’re exploring Hollywood’s entertainment industry connections, Santa Monica’s cultural scene, Pasadena’s educational institutions, or Long Beach’s diverse musical community, this comprehensive guide reveals the top violin retailers and luthiers serving string players across Southern California.
The violin retail landscape in Los Angeles reflects the city’s rich classical music heritage, with specialized stores offering everything from student-grade instruments to rare antique violins worth hundreds of thousands. These established retailers combine decades of luthier expertise with access to premium instruments from European masters, contemporary American makers, and quality student instruments from respected manufacturers worldwide.
Benning Violins – Studio City’s Premier Destination Since 1953
Benning Violins is a violin shop in Los Angeles offering a selection of fine violins, violas, cellos and bows for the beginner, student and professional, established in 1953 and located at 11340 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. This family-owned business has served generations of string players with exceptional instruments and expert craftsmanship.
Seven Decades of Violin Excellence
Benning Violins’ remarkable 70-year history in Los Angeles represents unparalleled continuity in the region’s violin trade. Their longevity demonstrates sustained commitment to quality instruments, expert craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service that has earned trust across multiple generations of musicians.
The shop’s expertise spans beginner instruments suitable for young students to professional-grade violins, violas, and cellos used by symphony orchestra members and recording artists. Their extensive experience enables precise matching of instruments to individual players’ needs, technical requirements, and budgetary considerations.
Location and Services:
- 11340 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604
- Comprehensive selection for beginners through professionals
- Expert violin, viola, and cello repairs and restoration
- Bow sales, repairs, and rehairs
- Rental programs for students and professionals
Expert Craftsmanship and Restoration Services
Benning Violins maintains in-house luthier services providing comprehensive instrument care including crack repairs, sound post adjustments, bridge work, and complete restorations. Their technical expertise ensures instruments perform optimally while preserving historical integrity and value.
LA Violin Shop – Expertise Since 2002
The LA Violin Shop was founded in 2002 by violin makers Danny Oh and Owen Lee, with its team of four violin makers offering all luthier services and sales to musicians of various ages and talents, located at 11915 West Pico Boulevard. This modern violin shop combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary business practices.
Professional Luthier Team and Comprehensive Services
LA Violin Shop’s team of four violin makers provides comprehensive luthier services spanning instrument sales, repairs, restoration, and custom work. Their collective expertise ensures customers receive professional-grade service whether seeking student instruments or rare antique violins requiring specialized restoration.
The shop’s dual focus on retail sales and professional luthier services creates unique advantages for customers, combining instrument selection expertise with ongoing maintenance and repair capabilities under one roof.
Professional Services:
- Team of four professional violin makers
- Comprehensive luthier services and repairs
- New and antique instrument sales
- Custom instrument commissioning
- Professional consultation and authentication
Los Angeles Violin Shop – Olympic Boulevard Excellence
Los Angeles Violin Shop, located at 3350 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019, operates Monday through Friday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm – 6:30 pm. This centrally located shop serves the greater Los Angeles area with comprehensive violin services and instrument selection.
Central Location and Convenient Hours
The Olympic Boulevard location provides excellent access for musicians throughout Los Angeles, with extended weekday hours accommodating both students and working professionals. Their central positioning serves musicians from Hollywood, downtown LA, and surrounding communities.
The shop’s consistent operating schedule and professional atmosphere create reliable service that busy musicians and music educators can depend on for instrument needs, repairs, and consultations.
Operational Excellence:
- Central Los Angeles location for broad area access
- Extended weekday hours for customer convenience
- Professional atmosphere and reliable service
- Comprehensive violin sales and services
- Established presence in Los Angeles violin community
Metzler Violin Shop – Quality and Inventory Excellence
Metzler violins shop has a large inventory of quality stringed instruments, with customers noting their impressive selection and professional service, requiring appointments at 818-246-0278. This established shop emphasizes quality instruments and personalized service through scheduled appointments.
Extensive Inventory and Professional Consultation
Metzler Violin Shop’s reputation for maintaining extensive inventory of quality stringed instruments attracts serious musicians seeking specific tonal characteristics, craftsmanship levels, or historical periods. Their selection process emphasizes instrument quality over quantity, ensuring every violin meets professional standards.
The appointment-based service model allows for personalized attention and extended evaluation periods, enabling customers to make informed decisions without the pressure of busy retail environments.
Quality-Focused Advantages:
- Large inventory of quality stringed instruments
- Appointment-based personalized service model
- Professional instrument evaluation and selection
- New and antique violin specialization
- Consignment services for fine instruments
Expert Instrument Evaluation and Consignment
Metzler’s expertise extends to instrument authentication, valuation, and consignment services for collectors and estates. Their knowledge of historical instruments and market values provides reliable guidance for both buying and selling fine violins.
Callier-Scollard Violin Shop – Hollywood Heritage Since 1928
Callier-Scollard Violin Shop, established 1928 in Hollywood by Frank J. Callier, now located in Pasadena at 50 E Green St, Ste 142, specializes in the repair and restoration of string instruments. This nearly century-old business represents one of California’s most established violin shops.
Nearly a Century of Violin Expertise
Callier-Scollard’s remarkable 97-year history spans almost the entire development of Los Angeles as a major cultural center. Founded during the golden age of Hollywood, the shop has witnessed and served the evolution of classical music, film scoring, and string education throughout Southern California.
Their longevity demonstrates sustained excellence in craftsmanship, customer service, and business practices that have earned trust across nearly four generations of musicians and music educators.
Historic Excellence:
- Established 1928 with nearly century-long heritage
- Founded in Hollywood during the golden age
- Pasadena location at 50 E Green St, Suite 142
- Specialization in repairs and restoration
- Rich history rooted in traditional craftsmanship
Specialized Repair and Restoration Services
The shop is known for its expertise in handling various repairs for violins, cellos, and bows, with a rich history rooted in craftsmanship. Their restoration capabilities preserve valuable instruments while maintaining historical integrity and performance standards.
Angeles Violin Shop – West Pico Boulevard
Angeles Violin Shop, located at 11915 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064, operates Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, closed weekends. This Westside location serves musicians from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and surrounding affluent communities.
Westside Location and Professional Hours
The West Pico Boulevard location provides convenient access for Westside musicians, music students, and professionals working in the entertainment industry. Their standard business hours accommodate both educational and professional schedules.
The shop’s positioning in an affluent area reflects their focus on quality instruments and services that meet the expectations of discerning musicians and music educators throughout the Westside communities.
Westside Advantages:
- Strategic West Pico Boulevard location
- Professional Monday-Friday operating hours
- Service to affluent Westside communities
- Convenient for entertainment industry professionals
- Established presence in competitive market
Morey’s Music Store – Century of Excellence
Morey’s Music offers a large variety of quality violins, from rare and antique instruments dating back to the 1700s, to new American and European violins, with expert craftsmen having over 80 years of combined experience. Located in Lakewood near Long Beach, this historic retailer serves the South Bay region.
Historic Instrument Collection and Expert Craftsmanship
Morey’s Music Store’s collection spanning instruments from the 1700s to contemporary makers provides unique access to historical violins with documented provenance and exceptional craftsmanship. Their expertise in evaluating and maintaining antique instruments ensures proper care and authentication.
Their expert craftsmen offer comprehensive repair services across string, woodwind, and brass instruments, plus expert on-site services, first opening for business in December, demonstrating sustained commitment to musical excellence.
Historic Collection Benefits:
- Rare and antique violins dating to the 1700s
- New American and European instrument selection
- Expert craftsmen with 80+ years combined experience
- Comprehensive repair services across instrument types
- Long Beach area access for South Bay musicians
Expert Guide to Violin Shopping in Los Angeles
When exploring violin options mentioned in our comprehensive instruments guide, understanding Los Angeles’ unique violin retail landscape enhances your shopping experience and ensures optimal instrument selection for your musical development.
Understanding Violin Quality Levels and Price Categories
Los Angeles violin retailers typically organize instruments into student, intermediate, professional, and master categories, each serving different playing levels and budgetary requirements. Student violins emphasize durability and playability, while professional instruments focus on tonal complexity and projection capabilities.
Understanding these quality distinctions helps match instruments to playing level, performance requirements, and long-term musical goals. Many Los Angeles shops offer trade-up programs that recognize previous purchases toward higher-quality instruments as skills develop.
Evaluating Tonal Characteristics and Playability Features
Violin selection involves subjective elements including tonal preference, projection requirements, and ergonomic compatibility that vary significantly among individual players. Los Angeles violin shops typically encourage extended trial periods allowing comparison of multiple instruments in various playing environments.
Professional shops provide guidance on matching instrument characteristics to musical styles, whether focused on classical repertoire, contemporary popular songs arranged for violin, or performances inspired by string sections in notable bands that incorporate orchestral elements.
Maximizing Your Los Angeles Violin Store Experience
Whether researching options from our detailed guides section or planning store visits, preparation enhances both your shopping experience and final instrument selection.
Pre-Visit Research and Preparation Strategies
Research your preferred violin size, tonal characteristics, and budget parameters before visiting stores. Consider your playing level, musical goals, and performance requirements to guide conversations with violin experts about optimal instrument features and specifications.
Understanding basic violin terminology, wood types, and setup preferences enables more productive discussions with luthiers and sales professionals. Many Los Angeles violin shops offer detailed consultations when customers arrive prepared with specific questions and requirements.
Making the Most of Store Visits and Trial Periods
Plan adequate time for hands-on evaluation of multiple violins within your preferred categories and budget ranges. The acoustic experience of playing different instruments reveals important differences in tonal character, projection, and responsiveness that specifications cannot convey.
Take advantage of expert guidance by asking about setup optimization, string selection, and maintenance requirements. Professional Los Angeles violin shops often provide valuable services including humidity control advice, bow selection, and ongoing instrument care recommendations.
Building Long-Term Relationships with Violin Retailers
Establishing relationships with knowledgeable Los Angeles violin retailers provides ongoing benefits including priority access to exceptional instruments, expert maintenance services, and connections within the local string community.
Many shops host events, masterclasses, and recitals that enhance musical development while connecting customers with teachers, ensemble opportunities, and the broader Los Angeles classical music community. These relationships often prove as valuable as the initial instrument purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when choosing a violin store in Los Angeles?
Look for stores with experienced luthiers who can demonstrate different violin tonal characteristics, comprehensive selection across various price points and quality levels, professional repair and setup services, and strong relationships with reputable instrument makers. The best stores combine retail expertise with genuine understanding of string instrument craftsmanship and performance requirements.
Do Los Angeles violin stores offer rental programs and trial periods?
Yes, many premier Los Angeles violin stores provide comprehensive rental programs for students and professionals, plus extended trial periods for purchases. Stores like Benning Violins and LA Violin Shop offer rental options that often include maintenance services and upgrade paths toward eventual purchase with rental credit applied.
How do I determine the right violin size and setup for my needs?
Visit stores that allow hands-on comparison of different violin sizes (from 1/16 to full 4/4 size) and setup configurations. Professional Los Angeles violin shops provide expert measurement services and setup optimization including bridge adjustment, soundpost positioning, and string selection tailored to individual playing styles and preferences.
What’s the advantage of shopping locally versus online for violins?
Local Los Angeles violin stores provide hands-on evaluation crucial for assessing tonal quality, projection, and physical compatibility that online purchases cannot offer. Local retailers also provide professional setup services, ongoing maintenance support, expert advice on accessories and bows, and connections to local teachers and ensembles.
Do these stores provide authentication and appraisal services for valuable violins?
Yes, established Los Angeles violin stores with experienced luthiers typically offer authentication, appraisal, and provenance verification services for valuable instruments. Stores like Metzler Violin Shop and shops with extensive antique inventories provide expert evaluation for insurance, estate, and resale purposes, drawing on decades of experience with fine instruments.