Hammond Ashley Violins

The place to go in san diego for stringed instrument repairs and purchases. Always courteous and knowledgeable. Slightly annoying to get to during rush hour

We rent my daughter’s cello from Hammond Ashley and we’ve been customers for over a year now. We love Hammond Ashley! My daughter’s bow recently went missing and the folks at the store were so helpful and patient in our last minute pinch to get a replacement. If you’re even considering renting or purchasing — consider Hammond Ashley; you wont’ be disappointed!

I have to admit when I considered to start learning cello I was a little bit nervous… and intimidated! I had no prior music knowledge and definitely didn’t know a think about the cello, aside that I LOVE THE SOUND and MUSIC IT PRODUCES.
After doing some Internet research on where to start with such project and what was available in my area, I came across Hammond Ashley Violins.
I picked up the phone and called the store. To my surprise the owner was extremely pleasant and unbelievably patient… I asked a million questions, and he answered to all of them, no rush no attitude, just pleasant, he even suggested I start out by renting a cello to see if I like it, before making such investment (I didn’t even know this was an option, I was super happy to find out this little detail!).
Next step: I went to Hammond Ashley and they treated me very very well. The owner took the time to explain everything I needed to know to start; how and where to store the cello when I am not using it, what are the different parts, what to do if «this or that» happen, he even recommended instructors in my area (I have been with my amazing instructor for now 3 months and I love playing the cello more and more everyday!).
My rental cello is a good instrument, made as a cello should be, I was surprised he would rent really good instruments… You can tell they care for the customer and they have a passion for what they do.
Thanks to Hammond Ashley my initial experience was extremely positive and encouraging, when the times come for me to make the purchase I will definitely stay with Hammond Ashley.
They also have all sort of accessories, books, Violas, and of course violins.

This place is without a doubt the best violin shop in San Diego! Even though its a 30 minute drive up North for me, it is well worth it. Aaron, the sales clerk was incredibly helpful, very patient and answered each and every question I had, from trade-​up options to rentals to just about anything I could think of.
I went to look around and check out the violins, not planning to buy. They asked me if I wanted to try out any of them and let me use one of their many practice rooms. They brought me about 4 violin’s in my price range and about 5 bows to start. I tried them out and I took my time checking out the sound, and getting a good feel to the violins. After a good couple of hours I had come to my choice between two violins and with the help of Aaron, who played both and helped me decide, I chose one and told me I could try the violin out for a week! I was very surprised at how helpful and welcoming they are with all their clients, especially with their new clients. I ended up taking a Violin home to try out, with a very nice carbon fiber violin bow and loved it!
They have beginning violins to violins in the $ 10k dollar range. They have Violas, Cellos, Basses and even some Baroque instruments. Very good selection of bows, rosins, sheet music, stands you name it, and if unlike other violin shops on Addams, you get friendly, quality service and won’t be snubbed.

Overall, I think this place rocks. Aaron, the manager (?) is very knowledgeable and helpful. I rented a beautiful cello and bought some excellent equipment and bow to go along with it. Some of the items took weeks to arrive, but I don’t think it was there fault. Their array of quality instruments is second to none. My phenomenal cello teacher rates them highly and i trust him wholeheartedly. It’s not easy to find, but that’s why we all use GPS, right?

Very good Unilocal find. Customer service is excellent. The shop is nestled in Sorrento Valley, and conveniently closes at 6PM. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

I never knew you could rent musical instruments until I was pleasantly surprised here at Hammond Ashley. Store manager Adam was very knowledgeable, explained in detail, and answered every question I had about their violins. At a very affordable $ 25 per month, one can take a well made (lower to mid-​grade) violin complete with all accessories — selection of bow, shoulder pad, rosin, case and cleaning cloth, and Adam threw in a mute as well when I asked for it.
No downpayment or deposit was required for the rental, and 100% of 9 months worth of rental cost can be applied towards purchase of any like instrument in the store.

I use to play the violin in High School and after a 10 year hiatus, I wanted to start playing again. But I didn’t want to spend a lot of money buying a violin that I might quit playing in a few months so I decided to rent.
Hammond Ashley was $ 25/​month and they will apply 100% of 9 months of rental towards the purchase of a violin — any violin I wanted. There was also an additional $ 3/​month insurance which I got because well, I never know if my dogs might start thinking my violin is a new chew toy.
They gave me a great rental violin — it was solid, no cracks, well made and produced good sound. The rental included a very balanced bow, shoulder pad, rosin, case, and cleaning cloth.
The guy who helped me was really friendly and funny. The music selection is small. They have a huge selection of string instruments for purchase. Prices for accessories were average.