Last year when my daughter started learning violin, I thought, "She's just a beginner. Let's rent one first." Well... renting was about $30/month, plus insurance, so it came out to around $40/month. Then when we brought it home, we realized it somehow had two A strings on it. They did exchange it for us, but the fingerboard and overall quality still weren't great. Our violin teacher then recommended Classical Strings, and honestly I'm so glad we found them. The owner is super knowledgeable, patient, and took the time to help us choose a beginner violin that actually fit my daughter. We ended up buying a basic violin for around $400-500. (Please don't use the price we paid to negotiate now ... everything costs more these days!) Looking back, buying was actually a much better value than renting. After a year of rental payments, you still don't own anything. With a purchased violin, you're building value from day one. The difference was huge. A better violin is easier to play, sounds better, and makes practicing so much more enjoyable. My daughter became more confident, improved faster, and actually wanted to practice instead of being frustrated. This year we went back for a regular maintenance check, and after trying a higher-level violin, she immediately noticed the difference. She absolutely loved it! The best part is that Classical Strings has a trade-in program, so we were able to trade in her old violin toward a better one. That made upgrading so much more affordable, and now she has a violin that matches her current level. If your child is just starting violin (or any string instrument), or if they're ready for an upgrade, I highly recommend checking them out. The owner never tries to sell you the most expensive instrument. Instead, he recommends what actually fits your child's level, goals, and your budget. He's fluent in both English and Mandarin, which is a huge plus for many families. They also carry violins, violas, cellos, and other string instruments, so they're a great one-stop shop for string families. read more

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It has been almost two years, and this violin continues to grow with me as a player. It produces a deep, resonant sound with remarkable warmth and character. I look forward to continuing to explore its full potential in the years to come. I highly recommend visiting Master Luthier Wu's shop if you are considering a string instrument. Even if you simply have questions about string instruments, he is incredibly knowledgeable and generous with his expertise. read more

Classical Strings - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Chino, California

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This is my second purchase from Classical String -- the first violin was for my son, and this time I was helping my nephew in Ohio, who is the 1st chair in his middle school orchestra, upgrade to a full-size violin with better sound and quality. Mr. John, a lifelong master violin maker, always begins by asking about your budget and helps you choose the instrument that fits your needs without overspending. His expertise and patience make the experience easy and enjoyable. Their Chino location is very convenient, and they also offer shipping anywhere in the U.S. and worldwide, which made it simple for my nephew to receive his violin directly in Ohio. With Mr. John's guidance, I selected a beautifully resonant, high-quality violin perfect for his level. Thank you, Mr. John, for your professionalism and kindness. Highly recommend Classical Strings! read more

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John is really nice and helped us with our cello. My children's cello has a problem and John fixed it right away. We also bought one nice cello as well. Definitely worth it. read more

Had a bow rehaired and bridge replaced on my viola. Had to make an extra trip as I left the new set of strings at home. I dropped off Monday afternoon and picked up 2 days later. So far so good while the strings settle/stretch in. Mr wu is very professional and it was a pleasure chatting with him as he showed me the completed work. Realizing his business is just down the street from work and not too far from home I have no excuse for delaying required services from a luthier. The cost of the service was reasonable. I will return read more

Highly recommend Classical Strings and Mr. John! I played the violin as a child and my daughter wanted to try it out for the school band. My violin is 30 years old and needed some repairs. John went above and beyond to make my old violin sound like new. If my daughter continues on with the violin we know where we are going for all our violin needs. Not only is he priced fairly, he is knowledgeable, friendly and passionate about his craft. Thank you Mr. John! read more

Great Luthier and owner of the store. We tried out 4 violins and found the one that fits our need. Love the way John walked us through the violins. We didn't feel rushed, nor pushed to buy anything at all. Highly recommend! read more

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I took my niece's violin for repair and the guy was very nice and he explained me a little bit about the violin ( since idk anything about it). I thou it was going to be expensive but it was actually not expensive. Overall 5 for being nice and patient. read more

I cannot say enough about this place. Mr. John is a breath of fresh air. He is honest, personable and quick. In today's world everyone wants to nickel and dime you but not him. He truly takes the time to figure out how he can help and make it affordable for you. I have been here twice to fix my daughters Chelo. She was so sad both times but he delivers good quality work at the best prices. If you have any instrument issues, I would go no where else. I will be spreading the word to all my friends and family too.:) read more

Mr. Wu is such a warm and wonderful person! Outstanding service,extremely accommodating, expert and direct advice! Highly recommended Classical Strings! read more

Our son's Birthday wish was to meet John Wu. We were able to make an appointment with him on a Saturday 9am. When we left to drive up for 2hrs, our van would not start, and we arrived an hour late. John patiently waited for us and was glad to see us. He gave us a tour, let us check out all his tools at the workshop, and answered all our questions. Our son was so happy to be able to try a lot of his violins and excited meeting John. The shop is like his own museum, all the violins are professional quality and beautiful! Our son is now getting a lot of attention and compliments from his music class and teachers. Thank you Classic Strings and John Wu for granting our son's birthday wish!! It was unforgettable experience. I would like to also add that John Wu is a very humble person. read more

I had obtained a used and not in great shape violin. I went to Classical Strings to get a new bridge and strings but Mr. Wu inspected my violin and went above my expectations and with my consent also replaced my pegs, tailpiece, and chin rest and then barely charged me for it. He has such a passion for violins that he just wanted my violin to be in its best optimal form. My violin sounds so much better now and feel a major difference playing thanks to the new bridge. He has the best quality customer service and fair pricing. I highly recommend him. When the time comes for a new upgraded violin, I'm definitely going to Classical Strings. read more

Love this place. It's small but the owner is very helpful and friendly. Got my daughter first 1/4 here. And now she has full size. We got it here also. They have a trade in program if you buy and trade from the same place. It's close and the owner help me repair a few mistunes when my daughter over tune it and didn't know how to do it right. read more

I recently purchased a violin and cello for my twins. First, Mr.Wu's instruments are Beautiful! We were renting our instruments from our local music store. When the twins started to advance in their instruments it was time to purchase our own. Now, I can tell a huge difference in the sound when I listen to my twins practice everyday. The quality of the sound is rich, vibrant and elegant. I couldn't be more happier with my purchase! read more

Highly recommended! I was surprised to find a luthier so close to home. I went in with a very rough and damaged antique violin. Mr. Wu was able to authenticate the violin's history, which was very exciting! The repair work is seamless, yet, its character remains untouched. Jun Wu and the staff at Classical Strings were extremely professional and courteous. Thank you for the respect you showed this little old, unfinished instrument. read more

John Wu is such a gifted and wonderfully experienced luthier! I could not have been more pleased with the warm and personable service I received at his shop. I look forward to returning again. Thank you Classical Strings! read more

Fantastic service and value! Specializes in stringed instrument craftsmanship and builds instruments themselves. Highly recommend!

I was very lucky to come to John Wu' work shop to buy musical instruments after being introduced by professionals. John is not only the boss, but an Amazing Luthier as well. His interests are different from those of other bosses. I was very impressed that my daughters entered the orchestra and we went to buy a violin and a cello. I wanted to buy a professional level's instruments as soon as I got there. However, Mr. Wu stopped me and asked me to start from the beginning level with the proper size and price for a beginner. He told us that on the one hand, we should consider that the children are still growing and need to upgrade their sizes. On the other hand, we should observe whether the children really like it and whether they can insist on investing more money. Such sincere suggestions make me feel that they are really a rare good business, and the degree of trust has greatly increased! read more

John at Classical Strings is amazing! His instruments are wonderful and are an excellent value. I have several students that play on his instruments and he is one of the first places I recommend when a student is looking to purchase an instrument of their own. John is the best. read more

Beyond fantastic. 2 months ago I was on the hunt for my very own Bass after graduating high-school. My older sibling had found this hidden gem of a store and after a test of one of the handcrafted basses, I immediately fell in love. The price was 3500 and I was determined to pay for it. John patiently waited for me to work long enough so that I could pay the bass off. And as even kinder he allowed me to work in his shop to pay the bass off. John and his store represent the true meaning of hard work, humble beginnings, and exquisite service to all customers read more

These guys are great, I just had two bows rehaired from them. Not only are they very friendly but the turnaround time was fast and pricing was fair. They also did a great job with the rehair. I will definitely be returning in the future. read more

As a former professional symphony orchestra violinist and a college violin teacher, I highly recommend the products of Classical Strings. I have picked a student violin for my 10-year-old daughter a few years ago from Classical Strings, it is just an excellent instrument with a great workmanship, tone and touch. Compared with many shop's violins that I have tried at time; the Classical String's violin was absolutely the best! I also think the price for the violin that I purchased for my daughter is in excellent value for money as well. The owner and master violin maker- John Wu is also repairing and maintaining my professional violin in regular basis, I am very happy and trust him for the job and I do always feel the passion that he got for his work too! Highly recommended! read more

I've been playing cello for over 7 years and am now playing in college. When I decided it was time to upgrade my current model, I discovered this place and decided to give them a try. Let me start by saying that I'm glad I did!! Not only did I fall in love with the tone and pitch of their cello but was also surprised by the quality and beauty of this particular strad copy, not to mention how affordable it was. Highly recommend this place for all level of players, the options provided to me were unfathomable and their customer service was as helpful as can be!! read more