Services
Instrument Sales
I enjoy helping musicians find “their instrument” and have learned a few strategies from teachers to help musicians during instrument trials. Trials are by appointment and you are welcome to choose which instruments to include in the trial from my price list (sometimes I will recommend certain instruments if I know your criteria). You are also welcome to invite your teacher to participate in the trial.
There are many more instruments than those pictured on the Instrument page. You can expect all of my instruments to be maintained at a high level, have quality strings, and be adjusted for optimal tone and playing criteria.
You are also welcome to make an appointment even if you just want to learn more about these instruments and try a few.
I am a dealer for Eastman, Scott Cao, and Jay Haide instruments (and a few others) and can special order when needed.
Repairs and Setup
Ideally, violin-family instruments should be inspected at least twice a year. There is no charge to inspect an instrument and prepare a repair quote and I encourage musicians to bring their instruments in for a check-up. In addition to ascertaining the condition, I can most likely provide information re: the instrument’s origins. The items that I check include:
Open seams and cracks
Utility of tuning pegs
Nut height and slots
Neck angle
Fingerboard shape and surface
Bridge fit, position, and height
Soundpost fit and position
Condition of edges and varnish
Tailpiece utility and impact on tone
Condition of strings
I do not normally work on bows but am in close contact with a bow luthier whom I can recommend.
Gluing a new bass bar
Finished bass bar
Policies
Trade-ins: For instruments purchased from Holst Violins, 100% of the purchase price (minus cost of new strings and any needed work) will be given when upgrading to a higher level instrument.
Payment plans are available.
Discounts are given on bows and cases with instrument purchase.