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David Kerr Violin Shop
4.9 ★★★★★ 271 Google reviews · Guitar & music store in Portland, Oregon
Established shop offering (or renting) violins, violas & cellos, plus bows, repairs & restoration.
Plan your visit
- Repairs & setups a repair bench comes up in reviews and the store's own info — call ahead for turnaround, since good techs run a queue
- Buys & trades used gear they buy, trade, or consign used instruments — bring the case and any original parts, and expect trade credit to beat the cash offer
- Instrument rentals rentals mentioned — the usual route for band & orchestra season; ask about rent-to-own credit
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (503) 238-4515
- Website kerrviolins.com
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
What's on the wall
“I worked with Andy, Jenelle and David on a cello seam repair and violin bow re-hair, and it was one of the best customer experiences I've ever had.”
“Esther helped us with bow selection and helped with violin ergonomics; also another staff member inspected my violin and bow and pronounced both in great condition for their age.”
What players say again and again
“Always love working with the wonderful luthiers at David Kerr.”
“Staff were knowledgeable, respectful and guided us through the process.”
“Our son needed to rent a full size Cello at 11 years old, after 18 months on a beginner Cello that he started at 9 years old.”
From the reviews
Not surprised the shop was recommended by a friend. I worked with Andy, Jenelle and David on a cello seam repair and violin bow re-hair, and it was one of the best customer experiences I've ever had.
Had a great experience at David Kerr Violin Shop. Took in my mother's violin - over a 100 years old- to be refurbished so I could learn to play it. They carefully examined it and explained all the parts, their condition, and made recommendations for parts to be replaced or repaired.
Excellent, professional, and helpful staff even with a line out the door. Do yourself and the employees a favor and make an appointment, especially if you want to buy an instrument or bow.
These guys are amazing+ I'm a beginner at Cello and purchased one online from a different company. I had no idea how to truly tune it. I explanied this to Andy and he took a good 15 minutes to explain the workings of the cello , how to rosin the bow, care for the instrument all the while tuning it.
Selling or trading gear at David Kerr Violin Shop
David Kerr Violin Shop comes up for buying and trading used gear — confirmed on their own site. Two things make the trip go better. First, bring the whole package: the case or gig bag, the original tremolo arm or bridge parts, the paperwork if you have it — a complete rig is worth real money more than a bare instrument, and it saves the back-and-forth of "can you bring the case in?" Second, know that trade credit almost always beats the cash offer, usually by a healthy margin — if you're upgrading anyway, price your old gear as a trade against the new one before you take cash. Either way, expect the offer to be below what the gear sells for on the wall; the gap is the store's margin for setup, warranty, and sitting on it until the right buyer walks in.
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