What do you think of the practice of bringing a violin or bow you are interested in buying to a shop that comes from another shop?

Generally it's not a good idea to bring instruments from another shop. Sometimes there are circumstances where it cannot be avoided, such as not wanting to leave the instruments in a car, etc.

If someone has instruments shipped in from out of state, it is a good idea to try them at home and at the lesson, rather than at another violin shop.

Regarding your question about mail order....

I agree that it is in poor taste to try something at the local shop and then buy it on line. Most players value their local shop and will try to support it. I have seen some teachers make a list of items and send the student all over town to pick up several things. I have to wonder if it cost more in gas than just to buy it all in one place. Hmmm

I can't speak for all violin shops but in our shop we do charge more for strings than our mail order competitors do. However, we will gladly exchange the string if it is defective and will also install the string. Yesterday I put a set of strings on for a customer at our shop. I noticed that the instrument needed some attention. While installing the strings, I moved the bridge to the right place, drilled new string holes in the pegs, which it desperately needed and lubricated the fine tuners so that they would turn smoothly again. Can you get that kind of service from mail order?

Another case in point, we had a customer in to replace a broken string. I noticed that the nut was too low and the strings were buzzing on the fingerboard. Who knows how long this would have gone unnoticed. I guess the teacher wasn't aware of it. We replaced the nut and the instrument plays like a dream. I wonder how motivated the student would be if the violin continued to buzz when played.

If you value your local shop then please support it. Keep in mind that most shops cannot buy strings in the quantity that the on line/mail order companies do. In many cases the violin shop suppliers charge the local dealer more money for strings than the on line companies sell them for. This, I believe, is a very sore point among many dealers. Just try to get the kind of service on line that your local shop can provide to you.

Visiting the Violin Shop: Dos and Dont's

This is a good topic to bring up. There are a few things to know before you visit your local violin shop. If you plan on trying out instruments or bows it is best to call ahead for an appointment. Before you call decide what your price range is so that the shop can have a chance to have the instruments tuned and ready for you when you get there. Also, it will help the shop have a sales person available to help you. If there is someone that you know at the shop, and enjoy working with, then make sure that you request that person and schedule a time when that person is available. Also, it is important if you want to try out chin rests or shoulder rests, to schedule an appointment. This can be a very time consuming process and the violin shop will need to have someone available that can help you. Some shops will let you take a few chin rests and shoulder rests on approval so that you and your teacher can get just the right fit.

Another point is repair. On occasion there is an emergency but general maintenance such as a bow rehair, cleaning and polishing are not emergencies. Plan ahead for general maintenance and take it in when you can be without your instrument for a few days. Most shops do not have loaner instruments so plan accordingly.

If you have a problem with an instrument or bow after just having some work done, call the shop right away. In many cases it is a very simple adjustment. Don't hastily spread bad rumors about the shop.

Also:

1. For most shops week days are better than weekends. In our shop, Saturdays can be crazy and we don't always have enough time to devote to everyone's needs. That is also the day that people come in from out of town. If you live in town and can come on a week day chances are that you'll get much better attention.

2. It's good to have an instrument check up at least once a year. If it's possible twice a year is even better. If you notice any drastic change in your instrument bring it in right away. A drastic change would be buzzing, rattling, or a dramatic change in the sound. An emergency would be a crack or open seam or any other "major" damage.

3. A good consumer will shop around however, buying a stringed instrument is much different than buying an ipod. It is very important to establish a good relationship with the shop and that you trust them. Get advice from your teacher and other players about which shop(s) to go to. Another point (maybe off subject) is to ask your teacher if they take commissions (or secret kickbacks) from any shop. If they do, this could cloud their judgment.
If you get several instruments on approval from different shops, take them home and spend time with each one, also take all (or your favorites) to your lesson.
If your teacher spends extra time outside of the lesson helping you with your selection be sure to pay the teacher for their time.