Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Stringed Instrument Sales, Rentals & Repairs in Bellingham
Founded in 1995, Quist Violins has been a cornerstone of the Bellingham music community for over 25 years. Our expertise lies in providing high-quality stringed instruments, personalized rentals, and expert repair services tailored to musicians of all skill levels. With a team of seasoned professionals, including renowned luthier Mike Kenney, we combine decades of experience with a passion for fostering musical growth. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our hand-selected inventory, meticulous instrument setups, and teacher-approved rental programs.We prioritize customer education, offering guidance on instrument selection, maintenance, and technique to ensure every musician thrives. As advocates for music education, we actively support local youth symphonies, community orchestras, and individual learners. Our dedication to quality extends to our repair services, where traditional craftsmanship meets modern techniques for durable, reversible restorations. With a focus on community and craftsmanship, we aim to make music accessible and enjoyable for generations to come.
Services
Violin Sales
Viola Rentals
Cello Repairs
Bow Rehairing
Sheet Music
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of expertise in stringed instruments and music education.
- Our instruments undergo professional setups for optimal playability and tone.
- Teacher-approved rental program with flexible purchase options and no deposits.
- Expert repair services by renowned luthier Mike Kenney, member of the Violin Society of America.
- Community-focused approach supporting local youth symphonies and music educators.
Services
Violin Sales
We offer a curated selection of violins from global workshops, including student to professional-grade options. Each instrument receives a professional setup for optimal playability. Our experts guide customers in choosing instruments suited to their skill level and musical goals.
Student Rentals
Our teacher-recommended rental program provides high-quality instruments with no deposit or maintenance fees. Renters enjoy flexible contracts, free exchanges, and a purchase option applying 100% of rent toward half the instrument's price.
Violin Repairs
Led by master luthier Mike Kenney, our repair services prioritize structural integrity and reversibility. We handle everything from minor adjustments to full restorations, using techniques that preserve each instrument's value and playability for future generations.
Music Instruction
Experienced instructors provide violin and viola lessons for all skill levels. Our teaching approach combines technical training with performance opportunities, fostering growth through personalized instruction and community engagement in Bellingham's vibrant music scene.
Bow Rehairing
Jane Perkins specializes in bow rehairing using premium materials, ensuring optimal tension and sound quality. This essential maintenance service extends bow lifespan and maintains consistent performance for string players in Northwest Washington.
People
Jim Quist
Owner & Founder
Jim Quist established Quist Violins in 1995 after a career as a professional violinist and educator. With decades of experience teaching and mentoring musicians, he combines performance expertise with business acumen to lead the store's operations and community initiatives.
Mike Kenney
Master Luthier
Mike Kenney brings over 30 years of restoration expertise to Quist Violins. A member of the Violin Society of America, he has worked with prestigious shops in Boston and Chicago, specializing in preserving historical instruments while ensuring modern playability standards.
Jane Perkins
Violin Instructor
Jane Perkins teaches violin and viola at Quist Violins, drawing from her performance background with regional symphonies. As a bow rehair specialist trained at the UNH Violin Craftsmanship Institute, she provides technical expertise and personalized instruction to students of all ages.
Questions
What types of instruments do you carry?
We offer violins, violas, cellos, and basses ranging from student to professional grades, including hand-carved European wood models and exclusive import selections.
Do you offer instrument rentals for beginners?
Yes, our teacher-approved rental program includes violins, violas, and cellos with no deposit, flexible purchase options, and free exchanges for growing musicians.
What repair services are available?
We provide full restoration, bridge adjustments, rehairing, and emergency repairs using reversible techniques to maintain instrument value and playability.
Are music lessons available?
Yes, we offer private violin and viola lessons for all skill levels with experienced instructors focused on technical development and performance opportunities.
What accessories do you stock?
We carry cases, bows, strings, rosin, shoulder rests, and sheet music, including specialty brands like Pirastro, Thomastik, and D'Addario for all skill levels.
Reviews (6)
Michael Price
Nov 29, 2021
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Very friendly and knowledgeable. They were patient and helpful while my son selected a new violin. I would recommend Quist to anyone interested in purchasing or renting stringed instruments.
Ali Anijo
Nov 27, 2021
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Fast, high-quality service. I rented a viola to learn with my 5th graders and it was such an amazing experience. I couldn't recommend Quist enough. I got to rent a beautiful instrument at a great price and everything was so easy! I knew nothing about music or instruments and he helped me with getting everything I needed to learn. Thank you so much!
Teresa Gadman
May 12, 2021
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Wonderful kind and patient. We are new the violin world, we were not looked down upon for having an inexpensive instrument. Where other shops wanted to charge for time and answers to new questions, he offered information willingly; above and beyond expectation.
John Rybczyk
Jan 04, 2021
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High quality student rentals with very careful and meticulous attention to set-up. Generous rent to own plan. Trade up and trade in as you gain experience. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful and professional violin shop here in Bellingham.
Pamela Santangelo
Apr 09, 2020
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Extremely knowledgeable, kind individuals. You may have to wait, but they give their undivided attention when it's your turn.
Laurie Grey
Jan 16, 2020
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You'll find excellent service and quality rental instruments at Quist. Have been renting various string instruments over the past decade and have always been satisfied and well cared for.
