Tacoma is so lucky to have such renowned talented luthiers locally! I have so much respect for what they do. The shop feels special from the moment you enter the space - its located in down town Tacoma. The building feels cozy/historical and you are immediately greeted with great energy from the staff, and see a beautiful selection of high end instruments from the moment you walk in. Having experts in the shop makes shopping fun and easy. Everyone that works here is so passionate about what they do. I find myself learning something new every time I visit and I absolutely love that. I've interacted with Ricardo the most and so happy he's worked on my cello. I'm set on coming here for all my cello needs. Cannot recommend this shop enough. read more

Repairs, components, replacement parts? YES! This is our go-to place for all things violin. Staff are either musicians or luthiers. They are very patient and knowledgeable. It's a beautiful shop. read more

Very knowledgeable and patient people. Such a good experience. When it is time to upgrade my bow and instrument, Applebaum's will be the first stop I'll make. read more

I am so happy my daughter chose to rent her violin at Applebaum. They took their time with her, showed professionalism and knowledge. The kindness also went a long way. Thank you so much for everything you are appreciated! read more

My son is in the TYSA, we used to go to this place to buy strings, rosin, etc. because it's close to his rehearsal place... last year we bought there a violin bow for $400, after 8 month it needs to rehair, we took it to this place and pay $75 plus tax. After a month the hair started to break, we went there to ask why ? we think it still under warranty after just one month, the answer was it wasn't their fault it was my son fault because his style of play!!! We explain them that my son isn't a beginner, he's in a advance Symphony, but they didn't care, the owner and his employer Ricardo were so rude.. they robed us!!! I read the reviews here and it's true because it's the only one violin shop in Tacoma they do a very bad service. Never will return again, and we will warn at the Tacoma Youth Symphony community!! read more

I purchased a violin bow for $714 including tax but I was offered a plastic bag to take it home with. I never bought violin bows before so I would have appreciated someone who is selling me a bow to offer whether I would like to purchase a bow case so it will not break. The bow broke in half inside my car so totally my fault. They offered to sell me a second one which I had returned which was $450 (I had it so I know they had it). My husband went there to buy it and they charged him $500 (not $450). Less than 3 hours had passed between the time I purchased the first one and returned their $450 one so it was available. Not sure why they charged me $50 more when they knew what had happened. I will never go back to this shop first because they should care to educate the customers and offer a case to take the violin bow with. I would have gladly paid for a case if they had offered me. Not a good shop for people who don't have experience with violins. I will go to other shops. Avoid. read more

Applebaum Violin Shop - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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. read more

I have to say that I know absolutely nothing about stringed instruments. But I ordered a Cello from Amazon for my son's 13th 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. read more

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! read more

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. read more

I have rented instruments from Applebaum Violin for several years now and had good experiences. I recently decided to purchase a violin from them and it was likewise a very positive experience. Both Mr. Applebaum and Alec were very helpful, patient, and informative as I stopped by the shop several times to try out violins. They allowed me to borrow several to try at home. I never felt pressured. I'm very happy with my purchase and cannot think of anything that would have made the experience better. They always made me feel welcome and like an important customer. I recommend them confidently. read more

Ricardo Perez, Applebaum's luthier, did extensive work on my recently acquired, used violin and transformed the instrument. The work was completed a week early and the cost was moderate. I highly recommend the shop! read more

My very old cello was in need of TLC. The owner and shop assistants have been fantastic to work with. I have really appreciated their hard work to help my cello be it's best! They are thoughtful and pleasant to work with. I highly recommend them to anyone. Ben read more

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 1/2 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 1/2 and 8 1/2 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. read more

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. read more

Carl heard me play my cello in a chamber concert where his wife was also performing with a different group. He came up to me afterwards and offered to undertake a tune-up. The instrument is a high quality 19th-century French cello, worth taking care of; I had been rather unhappy with its sound, and what Carl said made excellent sense to me. Subsequently he inspected the instrument and proposed a more extensive series of repairs, including a new fingerboard and a different style of end pin. His explanations were very clear, including about how the end pin might affect the sound. The work was prompt, the price was more than fair, and the cello has spoken much more freely ever since. I can't speak to the sales and rental sides of the business, but this was the best repair work I have experienced in many years of playing. read more

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! read more

I am unsure about the negative reviews posted, I can only share our experience... First of all, we only dealt with Mike, who answered many questions over the phone and was very patient and helpful. When we went to the shop, Mike was equally kind in person. We were shopping to upgrade my son from his "student" violin to a more refined instrument. He is an advanced musician and knew we'd be spending a bit of money. Applebaum was recommended by my son's violin teacher (private), who does not advertise in the shop as other music instructors do. Mike did not appear to know my son's teacher or recognize her name. We had a very frank discussion on our price point and he presented us with six violin options. He spent a great deal of time discussing the characteristics of each, then welcomed us to use one the "rooms" so that my son could play each instrument. After some time (there was no pressure to rush) my son made a decision but wanted his violin teacher's opinion. Mike said this was no problem. After filling out some simple paperwork, we were able to take the violin home for a one week trial, complete with a new bow and case. I must also mention we discussed having repair work done on my son's older violin and his electric violin. Mike was again, very patient and thorough in discussing our options covering price and time frame. We did purchase the violin and a bow but not the case, staying within our budget. My son was very happy and confident about his choice. We have not done the repair work on the other violins yet, as we are debating if it is worth it or should just buy a "new" electric violin but if we do, we would return to Applebaum. Overall it was Mike's patience, knowledge, humor and sincerity we appreciated. Because of him, we purchased with confidence. We spend almost two hours in the shop that day and never once felt pressured or uncomfortable. The only reason I did not give them five stars is because we wanted to take advantage of their summer sale but was told it ended in July and we made our appointment for Aug.2. This was not explained to me over the phone, so I was very disappointed, expressing that was one of reasons we came to them. Mike kindly offered a small discount, less than what was advertised for their sale but it was appreciated. read more

Extremely poor service on a number of occasions. Once when I had a bow out on trial, Mr. Applebaum called 2 days before the trial period ended. Instead of inquiring politely how I liked the bow, he demanded to immediately know if I wanted the bow and said he would charge my credit card. It was pushy and unpleasant. After looking at some of his violins, I decided to purchased an violin from a competitor. Later, the violin needed work and I came to the shop and offered to pay them for a basic repair to the instrument. He refused saying that since I decided to buy from the competitor, he would not work on the violin! This man does not know how to build relationships. He is a pushy, small minded man...and the shop's instruments are overpriced and not setup well. They have a monopoly in Tacoma but there are good options near by. read more

If I could give Carl Applebaum no stars on this app I would give it. Carl is condescending. I was a very quiet driver for my daughter as I wanted her to learn how to do things for herself as a adult. I wondered how someone who has been in business as long as he has been could act the way he did. At one point when my daughter asked to borrow a viola and he stated she could only borrow a cheap viola because "you can just deal with it". A made a quick decision we would get our repaired instrument back and never darken his doorstep again. After we got our instrument back and paying him $330 we took it to another repair shop to replace the sound post again and fix some of his repairs. BOYCOT THIS RETAILER! read more

After 3 years of frustration following the " tonal death " of my cello, and unsatisfactory attempts of restoration locally, I accepted the offer of a friend to take my cello to Carl Applebaum when she took her violin for its annual check up. Carls' wife Mara, a fantastic cellist was able to hear the weak areas in my instrument. Carl was most thoughtful and methodical in his approach to repair and restore my cello. The result of his work is amazing. Once again it is a pleasure to play my cello in rehearsal and private teaching. Ironically, as I explained my excitement over my cello to a new student and his parents, they became excited saying that Applebaum Violin Shop was the inspiration for their son to play cello when they were customers in Olympia. The student is now a sophomore in high school, and an accomplished cellist. Thank you Carl, Jeanne Bruhn read more

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! read more

I honestly would have given Applebaum five stars if it weren't for what happened today. We have been renting my sons 1/4 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. read more

I am a string teacher in the Tacoma area. I have found the proprietor of this business to be arrogant, dishonest and thoroughly unprofessional. He has treated my students very rudely because I have not sent hm enough business. Seattle is a long dive but it is well worth it to take your business elsewhere. read more

I was concerned about the reviews here on Yelp, but my violin teacher said Applebaum's was the only place she'd purchase violins and have repairs done, so I decided to check them out. I was looking for a new violin to replace my old student violin. When I first arrived, I couldn't believe how wrong the negative reviews on this site were. The owner, Carl Applebaum could not have been more friendly and personable. He set out a bunch of violins for me to play in a private room and cheerfully answered all my questions without even a hint of pretension. When I had narrowed the choices to two instruments I liked, I asked him to play them for me. Again, he was more than happy to help me out, and his playing made the instruments come to life. When I asked him if he could play something "fiddleish" he did one better and brought one of his employees out from the back who was a skilled fiddle player. He was super friendly and extremely helpful. The fiddle tunes he played made me certain that the violin I chose would be perfect for the fiddle group I play in. I was surprised by how reasonable the price of the violin I chose was, and I absolutely love the sound and feel of it. I played for about 3 1/2 hours before deciding, and not once did I feel rushed or like I was annoying the owner or the other people in the store. They gave me recommendations for where to have lunch, and answered my questions about parking. They made the entire experience of buying a violin a joy from start to finish. While I was there, I also purchased a fabulous new bow that again I had compared against many many others. This is where I especially appreciated the fact that the shop kept a full set of Suzuki books and a music stand in the auditioning room. When I was about to leave, Mr. Applebaum clearly explained the warranty and care information pertaining to my violin. I was impressed by how much he cared about keeping my new instrument sounding its very best. He said when you sound good, it's our best advertisement. Side note: I dropped off my violin teacher's bow to be re-haired while I was there shopping. He sent me home with a top notch loaner bow in a hard case so she wouldn't have to go without in the meantime. That was a far simpler process than I had imagined. All in all, I am so thankful that I ignored the negative reviews and made the 2 1/2 hour trip to Tacoma to see Mr. Applebaum and find the perfect violin and bow for me. I will be going back whenever I need anything violin related. read more

I brought my grandmother's 19th-century violin to Applebaum not long ago for inspection and repair. It's no Guarneri, more a folk fiddle though she was an Oberlin graduate. Unfortunately it had gotten rather beaten up over the years, suffering in its antique wooden case. The owner gave his opinion of its quality and value (the latter much more than I had thought), and pointed out flaws I hadn't noticed such as a crack here, a weak neck joint there, and so on.. He fixed the ones that needed attention for under $50 in a matter of a couple weeks. I bought some new rosin and good strings from him and left a pleased customer. read more

I went into this shop to help me set up a violin I had purchased online. After taking a look at the violin, the guy was so rude. He criticized the violin we bought, put it down, Told me there was nothing he could do to help me out. I explained my daughter needed it just to learn the notes for a school credit, after much criticism he told my daughter she better do something else and not learn the violin. I didnt take her there to get discouraged, put down and criticized. You would think if you were a shop owner you would care about potential customers and not treat them like this. I will never go back there again, and if you are an inexperienced musician I recommend you not going there also. read more