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Music Stores
Below are listed several places in the Lafayette, Indiana area where you might purchase or rent an instrument, or have an instrument repaired. There are also listed a couple of mail-order shops. If you are a beginner, you may want to consider a rent-to-own program. With this option, any repairs or supplies are covered in your rental fee, and they are able to adjust sizes for young beginners as they grow.
The best place to start when looking for a new instrument, is with your private lessons instructor or school orchestra teacher. They can help guide the decision process and teach you what to look for.
Allegro Violin Shop
603 N. 5th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901
(765) 420-9744
This is a local business run by Paul and Barbara Dixon. Mr. and Mrs. Dixon and their whole family play string instruments and they are very knowledgeable. They are open on Saturdays from 9 am until 1 pm, though you may want to call ahead to make sure they’ll be there. Mr. Dixon told me that they will rent small violin packages for around $65 every 6 months, or around $110 for a year.
Quinlan & Fabish Music Company
1301 Sagamore Parkway North, Lafayette, IN
This company offers a rent-to-own option, and serves the Lafayette School Corporation.
1st Chair String Repair
Gregory A. Ludlow, Luthier in Training
8027 W. Nickel Plate Ct.
Mulberry, IN 46058
765-418-0768
gregory_ludlow@yahoo.com
I have been doing violin, viola, cello and upright bass repairs and restorations for just over 13 years now. I also rehair and/or clean bows as well as most typical instrument repairs. I have been doing 90% of the Community Schools of Frankfort and Lafayette School Corporation repair work on school owned instruments for several years. I have also serve private musicians, private teachers in the Frankfort/Lafayette/West Lafayette area, as well as my own inventory that I repair and resell locally and on CraigsList.
I never intend to pass myself along as a master luthier as I have taught myself the art if string repair, but have a passion that keeps me striving to learn more and hone my craft. Take a look at my Facebook page to see examples of my work.
–Updated February 2024
Indianapolis Violins
310 N. Alabama St. #B110
Indianapolis, IN 46204
http://www.indyviolins.com/INDYVIOLINS.COM/HOME.html
Very established shop and highly recommended shop.
The Violin Shop of Old Carmel
1001 W. Main St.
Carmel, IN 46032
http://www.vscarmel.com/
Store Phone Number: (317) 818-2326
Toll Free: 1 (877) 291-2464
Email: info@vscarmel.com
This shop comes highly recommended from several teachers.
Paige’s Music
5282 E 65th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46220
317.842.2102 – 1.800.382.1099
http://www.paigesmusic.com
This shop offers rent-to-own options, and serves several local school corporations.
Psarianos Violins
79 E. Maple
Troy, MI 48083
(248) 689-8424
Psarianos is family-owned business based out of Troy, Michigan. They have a shop in Ann Arbor as well. They provide quality instruments and craft several instruments in their shop. They offer mail order for students look to purchase.
SHAR Music
SHAR Showroom
2465 S. Industrial
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(800) 248-7427
SHAR is a fantastic company based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Many of our teachers, both private instructors and school teachers, recommend SHAR. Their online store is where they shine. From their web page, you can rent an instrument, and purchase music, books, and supplies. If you are looking to purchase an instrument from SHAR, they will also send you an instrument on a trial basis for a reasonable cost.
Baroque Violin Shop
1038 W. North Bend Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45224
1.866.846.5469
contact@baroqueviolinshop.com
http://baroqueviolinshop.wordpress.com/
This company offers good quality instruments with a nice sound. The prices for renting are very reasonable and you can rent for as few as two months at a time.
If you rent a year at a time, they’ll only charge you for 10 months.