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October 2024 by James White
Just a great experience yesterday as we drove down from Running Springs ??
Customer Service was beyond my expectations and so sweet for my daughter.
Very responsible monthly rental price on her violin ?
Just worth the drive.
Thank you, Thank you and Thank you ??
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May 2024 by Dolores Hernandez
This place has been here in. Claremont since before I moved here over 42 years. They are so helpful and kind. Great place .
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April 2024 by Pauline Q.
Wow, what a unique experience I had... to help assemble my own cello with J. Brown himself! I've been curious about this shop since I was a teen roaming around Claremont Village. After renting from a couple places I decided to bite the bullet and purchase a cello from here. Tried a couple of cellos with the help from Debbie, who provided all the info and answered all my questions to help inform my decision. Everyone was pleasant and knowledgable... especially appreciated learning how cellos are made too. Will have to thank their cat, Oliver, in helping me pick the cello I chose as well. :)
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March 2024 by Maribel Morales
I’d been wanting to visit this shop for many years, but hadn’t done so as I was no longer playing. Now that I’ve picked up the violin again, I decided that it was time to finally see what this magical place is about.
I had purchased a very inexpensive violin from Amazon to start, but the sound and feel just isn’t right. When setting my appointment, I let Deb know that I’m basically a beginner, but wanted to see instruments that will grow with me. She was super friendly and personable and let me know that she would be ready to show me a variety of instruments that fit my needs and budget.
My husband and I came in and it was immediately a very welcoming environment. I was able to try a variety of violins and bows at my leisure. Deb was really helpful throughout the process and it’s a very 0-pressure shop. It came down to two beautiful instruments and with my husband and Deb’s feedback I was able to select an amazing violin and bow.
Jim was busy with another customer for most of our visit, but came right over to talk once he was free. He shared a lot of insights about the instrument I purchased as well as their philosophy. Just a great visit and I wish I had come in sooner!
Prices are very reasonable as you will be getting a quality instrument. It’s also a one-stop shop as they have anything you can possibly imagine for your stringed instrument. Jim is an expert luthier so I’m glad that I can come back if my instrument ever needs servicing. They also make sure that you know how to care for your instrument before you leave.
My advice would be to visit J. Brown before purchasing a violin, viola, or cello elsewhere. I know I’ll definitely be visiting them for all of my future needs.
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March 2024 by Maribel M.
I'd been wanting to visit this shop for many years, but hadn't done so as I was no longer playing. Now that I've picked up the violin again, I decided that it was time to finally see what this magical place is about. I had purchased a very inexpensive violin from Amazon to start, but the sound and feel just isn't right. When setting my appointment, I let Deb know that I'm basically a beginner, but wanted to see instruments that will grow with me. She was super friendly and personable and let me know that she would be ready to show me a variety of instruments that fit my needs and budget. My husband and I came in and it was immediately a very welcoming environment. I was able to try a variety of violins and bows at my leisure. Deb was really helpful throughout the process and it's a very 0-pressure shop. It came down to two beautiful instruments and with my husband and Deb's feedback I was able to select an amazing violin and bow. Jim was busy with another customer for most of our visit, but came right over to talk once he was free. He shared a lot of insights about the instrument I purchased as well as their philosophy. Just a great visit and I wish I had come in sooner! Prices are very reasonable as you will be getting a quality instrument. It's also a one-stop shop as they have anything you can possibly imagine for your stringed instrument. Jim is an expert luthier so I'm glad that I can come back if my instrument ever needs servicing. They also make sure that you know how to care for your instrument before you leave. My advice would be to visit J. Brown before purchasing a violin, viola, or cello elsewhere. I know I'll definitely be visiting them for all of my future needs.
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February 2024 by Jorge A.
Amazing experience with Deb. She took the time to gently explain to my daughter and our family the steps we needed to take to ensure the violin is in good working order. I would highly recommend this business.
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November 2023 by Sally Chen
Nice and friendly owners.
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June 2023 by Brianna L.
I have entrusted J. Brown violin maker for nearly 15 years! I have rented then bought my first 1/2 violin from them, then when I wanted to switch to viola, I came back to rent a viola. I ended up buying it, its a beautiful 15" inch viola. Years later once again i wanted to try the cello. So i knew my only place to come was J.Brown, I now could rent my own cello as an adult so his wife helped me pick out a beautiful 7/8 cello. Renting prices are always fair. This place knows how to take care of their customers. They have tons of faithful customers and I am one of them. pictured is my viola and cello! The atmosphere in the shop is amazing and they have cats who are friendly.
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June 2023 by Aza I.
Well informed and helpful. The owners are honest and know everything violin. They went out of their way to connect me with someone who can help me with my needs.
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June 2023 by Patricia Cloud
We came from Idaho to visit and wanted to stop by Jim and Debbie's shop after speaking with Debbie over the phone a few weeks ago.We are looking for a 16‘" viola for my son, and it has been difficult to try and find one in most "music" stores.Jim and Debbie are so friendly and knowledgeable in string instruments. It's hard to find such an experienced and skilled luthier. They spent a good amount of time with us to make sure we find the right instrument in our budget. Jim made quite a few adjustments for us to make our viola sound even better than the original "manufacture settings."Highly recommend this place.
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March 2023 by Maritza Smith
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!! I cannot say enough about how amazing this shop is. They are so meticulous about making sure you get the right instrument and that you are happy. First class service. Amazing shop!!! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!
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February 2023 by Holly P.
I received excellent service when I went to J Brown Violin Maker to have him give me an evaluation of my newly purchased violin. He is extremely knowledgeable about violin making, spent a lot of time explaining things, and gave me details I had never thought of. I left the violin with him and he put new tuning pegs and strings and re-haired my bow. The violin sounds soooo much better and it is easy to tune now. His wife is also very helpful and found me a more comfortable chin rest. It was also very fairly priced. I can't say enough wonderful things about them. They are truly the best and I highly recommend them and will keep going back. Holly Shaw Price
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December 2022 by JustARandomAccount
Awesome instruments, but i like the cat more
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December 2022 by Jerry T.
I had 2 vintage violins that have been in the family for many years from my Great Grandfather. I made an appointment to bring them in to see if they would be worth repairing or for restoration. The owner and his cat welcomed me in and he proceeded to give me a very good education about what i had and the values as well.He is very knowledgeable and i highly recommend coming here for your violin needs!
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November 2022 by Joaquin Landen
Wonderful place. Good selection and very helpful woman who assisted in every step of the way. Highly recommended. Also has a very friendly cat :)
