Applebaum Violin Shop

We love Applebaums! Our family has purchased violins from Applebaums for the last 11 years. Every interaction has been professional and very supportive. I am so grateful for their expertise in assisting us on our violin purchases, especially since my background is limited with stringed instruments. My son, who has been in Applebaums on a regular basis since the time he was 3, loves this shop and has looked forward to shop visits as do the rest of us. He always feels welcome! Anytime we need an adjustment, or bow rehair, calling ahead and scheduling the best time is recommended. They are providing suberb service and support in our community. Love them!

I dont understand what the rave reviews are about for this establishment. I honestly know nothing about instruments still but my child needs to upgrade to a ½ violin. Even after reading the mixed reviews here I still decided to take my chances as I wanted to buy in person this time from experts. Throughly an unpleasant experience. Went in with both my kids aged 13 ½ and 8 ½ extremely well-​behaved and here is how it went.
— a dated, smelly and dingy atmosphere.
— was greeted by a slob but trying to be a complete pretentious f***
— he rudely asked my children to stand on one place not to move an inch so as not to spoil his shop
— told me to invest in a used $ 1000 instrument from China as they ‘sound very nice’
Here is the problem– This is the only specialised store in the area so they are not questioned and their clients must be majority of grumpy old elitist snobs. They are not in the least encouraging towards the new gens who are embarking on the musical journey. I will stick to buying online as of now.

I have to say that I know absolutely nothing about stringed instruments. But I ordered a Cello from Amazon for my son’s 13^th birthday because he is inspired to play the instrument by the Piano Guys that he saw on YouTube. We received the instrument yesterday with no instruction on how to set it up and with a rattle on the inside. So of course I look for an expert to call to find out what to do. I figured out it was the sound post that was rattling around the cello and it was best to have an expert repair it.
I called Applebaum Violin Shop.
Now I know people are passionate about their craft and feel a certain way about where some other brands come from. But the attitude this store gave me when I called to ask for help with this cello was just plain arrogant. He said basically that any cello I could order online would be unplayable. (Contrary to the reviews on this particular item).
Now I know it is not the most expensive or the highest quality, but this cello is a trial for my son, when it become clear he is invested in playing the instrument for a long time I know where we will NOT be purchasing his next Cello.

Just be careful of this shop I bought a viola back in 96 and I was assured it would appreciate in value to my heart break it didn’t. I was told by a different violin maker that he could only offer me $ 200 mainly for the bow and case. I spent over $ 2000 on the instrument. Applebaums is not a bad shop but always get second opinion before you decide to buy. Don’t be like me and buy a worthless instrument.

I honestly would have given Applebaum five stars if it weren’t for what happened today. We have been renting my sons ¼ sized cello there for a year now. I have always paid on time and we really loved the cello they provided for us. Today they called because I had replaced my credit card and they were trying unsuccessfully to charge me for the next three months’ rental costs. I said that we were moving in a month’s time and that we would like to just pay for one more month. I am still shocked that they would not agree to do this for me. They stated that they only rent instruments in three months increments — no exceptions. So, I had to go downtown today and return the cello! I asked that they consider that we had been good customers and that I would tell my son’s teacher and my mother, who is a well-​known violin teacher in the area (is it really worth the bad press?), but no, I had «signed a contract» and I was required to either pay $ 100 for two months of cello rental I would never use or return the cello today. The bottom line is that they turned away good business and inconvenienced me when it would have been very simple for them to cater to a good customer. In my opinion, Applebaum is too big for its britches. Now I am scrambling to find a cello so my son can finish out the school year. Applebaum, you should be ashamed of yourselves! This affects a 7 year-​old boy most of all.

We LOVE Applebaum!
My wife is highly strung so she’s particular where she takes her violin for adjustments. Applebaum never disappoints. Even our nit-​picky high school cellist is more than satisfied with the service there. So are the bass, viola and wee-​tiny violin player in our family. Now, if we could just get them to practice…
Applebaum are great and fair people. Give them a look.

Upon first visiting Applebaum, I must say I was impressed with the shop. Mr Applebaum was very pleasant, and I know he’s an expert in the field.
I purchased my Juzek with my parents at Applebaum about ten years ago. When we purchased it, Mr. Applebaum stated that our investment would increase in value over time — to the point that he would purchase it back for the same price of $ 4000 if we ever so chose.
Recently, I had the violin appraised in three different stores. it has a retail value of $ 2200. I asked Mr. Applebaum if he would purchase it back, and he doesn’t remember ever making the offer to purchase it back. Well, it was ten years, but I remember…
Long story short? It’s a great store, and I’m sure they’re nice people. I just recommend double-​checking on the value of your instrument before you buy it. My parents paid nearly double the value of my violin. The most this violin sells for retail is $ 2500, so that’s a $ 1500 mark-​up. A lovely shop indeed.

My parents purchased a cello from Applebaum back when they were located in Olympia. As I grew as a cellist, they were always very helpful, informative, and supportive with recommendations for care. 15 years later when I needed to sell my instrument I called from California. Not only did they remember me, but they provided all the details I needed to sell the instrument. AMAZING customer service!

Applebaum is by far the most amazing violin shop I have yet to go to.
The staff are all super friendly and well informed.
I just purchased a beautiful new $ 1200 pernambuco bow from here and couldn’t be more thrilled — it’s aesthetically one of the most pleasing I’ve ever seen and draws a whole new dimension out of my violin!
I bring all of my business exclusively here and am planning to soon invest in a new violin here.
You might pay a little more than a site like sharmusic but it’s absolutely worth it! They’re also very flexible in their lending program and having you test out several bows or instruments before deciding.
Long story short, if you plan to make any violin-​related purchases please do these people justice and give them your business!