Frequently Asked Questions & Shop Policies

How do I make an appointment?

Seems simple, but this is our most asked question. And the answer is also simple: call, text, or use the 'Contact Us' tab to reach out, and we will schedule a time to meet with you and discuss how we can help. You can also send us an email to salonstrings@gmail.com anytime, and we will respond as soon as we can!

Do we meet in person, talk on the phone, or meet virtually?

Yes. To all of the above. Depending on what you need help with, we can offer in-person appointments, phone calls, and/or virtual meetings to best sort out how we can help. Of course, if we are showing you an instrument, picking up or dropping off instruments, materials, or checks, we will schedule a time and place to meet in person. That is, at least until they find a way to attach a violin case to a text message…which we hear is in the works! ;-)

It’s my first time shopping. What can I expect?

Shopping for your first time can be a very overwhelming experience, so we try to make it as easy as possible. The first step would be scheduling a time to talk, whether in person, online, or over the phone, where we will gather some information about what you are looking for, price range, needs, and wants, and all that fun stuff. It sounds like a lot, but we promise it’s all the information we use to get together the best possibilities for you.

Next, we will schedule a time to meet in person, where our expert will show you one or more options that fit best. During that appointment, you get a chance to try each piece and ask questions. Then, when you find one you like best, we will set up a trial for you to take the instrument or bow home to use in your daily life for a short period of time. This is when you get to have fun, practicing and playing with it. It’s often common to also play for your teacher or mentor and get their feedback, which is something we actually encourage. We also encourage your teacher or mentor to reach out to us directly, but more on that later.

How does a trial work?

Trials are a common thing when shopping for a new instrument or bow, and it’s something we actually encourage. Much like test-driving a car, it’s hard to know if something will work until you try and that is rarely done in a one-hour showing appointment. Our standard trial period is one week (seven days), but that can change for extenuating circumstances. To take something out on trial, we ask you to fill out and sign a form that will include your contact info and some basic rules we ask you to follow, mainly for insurance purposes. If you currently have something out on trial and have questions about the product or the trial itself, feel free to call or text at 216-386-8021 anytime.

My teacher/mentor wants to be involved. Is that okay?

Teachers and mentors are not only common at any age, but it’s something we ourselves utilize. We may be teachers and mentors ourselves; however, we understand “you’re never too old to learn something new” (something one of our mentors told us). Which is just another way of saying: we love teachers and mentors!

If your teacher or mentor would like to come with you to an appointment, be on a call, or simply reach out on their own to us directly, we welcome the chance to get their input. Often times teachers see things we ourselves as players cannot, so it’s useful to get their feedback, especially during a trial period.

How do I pay for this?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, as well as Google Pay and Apple Pay. We can also handle Venmo and Zelle transfers, certified checks, wire transfers, and cash. In addition, we can also help you arrange financing through AfterPay and Noteworthy Credit Union. For more information on payment and financing options, please contact us.

Do you work with makers and other shops?

Since we are more like a brokerage than an actual brick-and-mortar shop, we maintain close relationships with makers, other shops, and salespeople all over the world to allow our customers to have access to the best inventory. We are happy to help our clients make contact or refer them when we are able to. The classical musical world is a close-knit community and we welcome the chance to help make its members feel welcome and ensure their needs are met. Any reimbursement to Salon Strings or its employees is confidential between the other shops and makers, and we are not obligated to disclose specifics.

Do you sell anything other than string instruments and bows?

Yes, we do! Of course, it’s all things for string instruments, but we are excited to offer cases, shoulder rests, cleaning cloths, rosin, and much more! We are always expanding our products, so be sure to check back often.

Do you ship?

Currently, we ship anywhere in the United States of America and hope to expand that to International areas soon. Our shipping and handling rates are as follows:

Violins & Violas: $100 flat rate shipping and handling fee for the first instrument (case included), $50 for each additional instrument. Maximum 2 instruments per shipment. Additional instruments will be charged a per diem shipping fee. Shipping includes packing materials, insurance, and tracked shipments.

Bows & Accessories: Shipping is based on weight for these items and will be included at the time of purchase.

Salon Strings reserves the right to refuse shipping to anyone and will work with the customer to arrange other delivery options. Please note: Currently, we are unable to ship cellos and bases due to freight shipping requirements, unless it is being shipped directly from the maker.

Paperwork, Returns, and Other Legal Stuff our Boss Makes us Include

Certain sales may require paperwork, including appraisals, certificates of authenticity, and proof of ownership. All sales are final. Salon Strings reserves the right to refuse to work with anyone. Salon Strings is a subsidiary of Ford Fayette Media Group, LLC, a licensed business registered in the State of Ohio and registered with the IRS to operate within all 50 states.