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March 2024 by Jiamo Chen
I needed a last minute repair because i found out that the fingerboard of my cello came off as I landed in the airport. They not only fixed it quickly and beautifully but also lended me a cello to play on. They are very gracious people. Thank you WHL!
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October 2023 by Ma We
I called to inquire about renting a cello for a few days while I was in town. The price was $198 incl a $49 deposit, so it would total out to be ~$150 to rent one for the 4 days I'd be in town, plus the cost of transporting it back and forth to my hotel. :/
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July 2023 by Em Smith
My 13-year-old daughter was ready to move up from a rental cello to her own permanent cello, and her private instructor highly recommended that we make an appointment to visit the Chicago location. We worked with Merrick, who was immensely helpful. Over the phone, we talked through what she was looking for and a budget and set an appointment. When we arrived at the shop Merrick had about 10 cellos set aside for her to play that were all within the budget we discussed. None of the cellos had the price on them while we were playing them (just a small barcode), so that we could objectively focus on the sound of each, and not let the price influence our initial impression of the tone. She played and re-played the various cellos and bows for a couple hours. She ultimately fell absolutely in love with a cello that actually was at the lower end of our budget, and a bow that was more in the middle. They just sounded amazing, and Merrick was obviously committed to helping her find the perfect cello for her, not the most expensive one that he could sell us. He was also wonderful at answering our many, many questions! I know W. H. Lee works with many professional musicians, but they, in my experience, are also outstanding at working with students. It was well worth the trip (all the way from Iowa), and my daughter is delighted with her new instrument.
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January 2023 by Grace
Nice and fancy instrument store. Ms. Kristine is always very kind and helpful. She helped me with our broken string and taught me something about violin tuning. Thank you!
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January 2023 by Nadine Payne
2 years ago my grandson whom we are raising due to death of their Mom 11+ years. We were faced with Khalil needing a new Cello for he had outgrown the first used one. WHLee staff was amazing 2yrs later Same Awesome Service.like Royalty. Very help
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August 2022 by ZUO Grace
Nice and fancy instrument store. Ms. Kristine is always very kind and helpful. She helped me with our broken string and taught me something about violin tuning. Thank you!
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June 2022 by Vinny Vinod
Bful, vintage architecture and ? ? ??????? awesome.
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May 2022 by Rebecca B.
If you are thinking about getting a new bow, don't leave William Harris Lee and Co. off your list! I was on a mission to get my daughter a new Cello bow for her birthday. She's a new player so this was her first experience of testing bows on her cello. After going to several good shops and playing and testing some very good bows, we finally found the right one for her. I am a violinist and I know how important a good bow can be but I'm not a cellist so I couldn't help much. Between this shop, the wonderful people that work there and her teacher we were able to help my daughter get the bow that will help her be a better player for many years to come. It's a great feeling to pass that love of music on to your child. Thank you guys for all the patience and help!
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March 2022 by Marcia Chou
We have been buying here for multiple generations. I had a Guarneri replica which I used throughout high school and used for my entrance auditions. My current best violin is from here, a 1999 Mckean. Today, I send every single one of my students to rent from here! From 5 year old beginners to advanced high school seniors. Extra convenient for students who come on the weekends for their CYSO Orchestra rehearsals.
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August 2021 by Zoe S.
I rent a 7/8 cello from them for 4 years. The cello kept me sane during the ups and downs. Then I returned the cello, moved to another city, and tried to find a rental cello of the same quality, and failed miserably. It was then that I realized how lucky I was. Their instruments are awesome.
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April 2021 by Anne D.
I grew up playing the cello. I was a cello performance major. My cello was and is so special to me, like an extension of my soul. I was never the top performer, but I did well. I give you this background so you can understand my review. I went to medical school and played only occasionally during that time, but I still loved my cello. Then we went through a house fire. I was so traumatized by this I didn't open my case for almost 2 years! I was afraid my beloved was ruined. Finally I took out my cello and found only minor damage, but by this point was so out of practice that I was embarrassed. Again, I played only occasionally. Finally, finally I got up the courage to have my instrument properly repaired. I was a nervous wreck. I brought it in and explained briefly what happened. I could only talk so much, because I was afraid I would cry. The luthier (I can't believe I forgot his name) was so incredibly sensitive and patient and his partner made some suggestions, too. Between the two of them they got my cello, and my soul, back together. I cannot possibly thank them enough for their unbelievable kindness and professional work. I've gone to the big name Chicago shops. I've seen and played on very fine instruments. And here I brought my quality, but not professional, instrument to them. I expected mediocre work. I expected some snobbishness. I got not of that. I was treated with respect and tenderness. You have my business forever and I will refer everyone I know your way. Thank you!
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November 2020 by Erich Schlismann
My kids get their cellos and viola from here. Beautiful instruments and rental price is excellent. Service is superb. They also do tours were are fun especially for kids to see how instruments are made.
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November 2020 by Shannon Farley
Top notch customer service and incredible craftsmanship! I brought my violin in to get a scratch filled and touched up and it looks like new. I highly recommend this shop to all of my colleagues!
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November 2020 by Avice Nelson
Excellent positive, helpful and friendly service.
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November 2020 by Kyle Otten
Outstanding customer service.
