First timer . Went to this shop recommended by our teacher and it was absolutely awesome . Very few places in NJ selling good carnatic violins . Mo was very awesome and patient letting us choose our violin. The ambience was just spectacular. It looked like some movie based theme . Well located within a small mall. Parking was ok , but I think it can get crazy on peak times . Violin sounded great . We were given about 10 violins to choose from and took about 30 mins to slowly try each . It was an awesome experience overall. My kid loved his violin . We also got a violin case . It was pricey but we thought it was good for the price . No. Discounts .. wanted to give 4 stars but gave - 5 stars for the customer service and quality of the violins . read more

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Great selection of string instruments at best possible prices. Mo goes out of her way to ensure that the instrument is the right one for the buyer and is willing to devote as much time as necessary to make that happen. Breathtakingly beautiful sale space read more

If you need a stringed instrument- look no further! Menzel's has an ample supply of well made, very REASONABLY priced instruments. The owner, Mo, is extremely patient & will take as much time as needed to find just the right instrument for you. In addition, she will not just sell you the MOST expensive item, as most music stores will do. She will work with your budget and NOT over inflate the actual cost of the instrument. Mo- all shop owners should have your integrity! Thank you for selling me a well constructed, REASONABLY priced viola & making the experience very pleasant. read more

This place is the gem. No one has the honest approach in a violin shopping industry except this talented and dedicated owner. She was desperately trying to find the best sounding violin regardless of the price. We spent there more than 2 hours trying to play many violins from different price ranges and found just one that perfectly matched our criteria. And surprise! We saved thousands dollars just because we were lucky enough to visit this store. Don't MISS your opportunity!Highly recommended! read more

I really enjoy this shop. The owner is incredibly knowledgeable and as a professional session player and small time luthier I agree whole heartedly with the basic concept. Don't get crappy Chinese instruments. I personally don't care how your teacher feels about them or how much they are getting kicked back from other shops. Think about it this way. If you were a kid who wanted to learn an instrument. Would you want an instrument a little above your level so you can continue to be inspired and become the best musician you can be? Or would you like something that looks nice, sounds terrible and cracks as soon as it starts getting dry out. Repairs are clean, fast and consistent and apparently they do lessons too. What else do you really need from a shop NJ? read more

Absolutely wonderful experience. Violins of all prices. Refreshing to see price tags on each instrument insuring price transparency that is unfortunately missing at other establishments. Serene, comfortable setting for players to hear their next fine instrument purchase. Mo,the owner,was knowledgeable and honest in helping me weigh my options with so many choices. Nice to see integrity in sales. Absolutely wonderful. read more

Absolutely fantastic experience. Let me preface this by saying I have no experience with violins, violin shopping, or anything of the sort. That being said, I know it can be a very shady industry, so when I went off to buy a violin for my girlfriend I did my research and came across Menzel. Extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I wish every shopping experience were like this. This shop is so beautiful - when you walk in, you might immediately think you're going to be dropping a lot of money. But then you'd be wrong. The prices here can't be beat. The selection for violins is, as far as I can tell, extensive - and all of them are high quality. No synthetic material, Chinese violins here that you'd find online or in other stores. The bottom line for me - after budgeting to buy just a violin, my girlfriend and I left with a violin, bow, case, shoulder rest, and bow rosin. All for under my initial budget that was meant for just the violin. We had fun during the selection process, and we walked out with smiles and a beautiful instrument. I think that's really all that needs to be said. read more

What a beautiful store with a knowledgeable owner who educated me and my son about violins and the scams that are out there. My son's violin instructor had told us to go to a store where he could try out different violins so he could make his own choice and bond with his instrument. I had originally called another violin store in Rahway (where my son's school gets their rentals from) to make an appointment to try out violins but they didn't have any full-sized violins in stock which surprised me. How do you operate a violin business and not have violins in stock?! So I asked my son's private instructor for a recommendation and he suggested Menzel's in Livingston. We tried to schedule to go when it wouldn't be busy and ended up picking a perfect time so that my son got individualized attention. He was able to try out multiple violins of various price ranges and based his decision on the sound. He compared and narrowed down until he found the one he loved. Then he picked out a bow and case. It was very reasonably priced and he loves his violin so much that he was only supposed to practice 20 minutes and right now, is going on one hour, looking up songs on the Internet to play. We are very happy customers and highly recommend this place. read more

This is a beautifully appointed shop and the proprietor is attentive and personable. She seems sincere and to want to help her customers as much as possible. The shop appears to have a decent selection of student and intermediate-level instruments and bows (I can't speak for their inventory at the higher end). However, I would recommend taking some of the owner's claims with a grain of salt. One of her claims is that she's the "only honest dealer" around, implying that the vast majority of string instrument dealers in the NYC area are crooks. They are not. I have no doubt that Menzel's is an honest dealer, but so are the vast majority of others. I am not a dealer - just a player who has been to many shops (in cities in several parts of the country) over the years. The other claim she makes (on her website and as soon as you walk in to try out any merchandise) is that Chinese instruments are inherently lacking in value. This is simply untrue. Chinese violin makers run the gamut from factories producing cheap junk to Violin Society of America gold medal winners. Menzel's has every right not to stock certain instruments, and to make the case that their instruments are superior, but it is not true that all Chinese instruments are inferior to European ones. Do some research before taking the owner's word on this. read more

There is a wide selection of stringed instruments from violin, to violas, and cellos. The store is definitely violin heavy, with about 80% violin and then 15% viola and then 5% cello. I don't know if what's in the store is everything she has in inventory, or if there is an inventory location, but that is my estimate of breakdown based on the store. The store seems to have instruments ranging from student, up to $8000 (and probably more) pieces. There are visual pieces that are not the traditional colored violins, to very traditional and even used instruments. My review is based on three visits to the store, to purchase a viola, violin, and a bo. The owner is the one that will directly discuss and work with you. This isn't a big shop of five or six sales rep and you get luck of the draw. Either you're going to like Mo, or you're not. She will ask you your budget, as the instruments are so varied in price, no real need showing you a $6000 piece, if your budget is $1000. Within our price range, she had a lot of selections on the violin. She will bring a few out for you to try, and then by elimination you take out the ones you do not like. Then some more will get added in, and the process can take a while. She's not there to upsell (at least did not with us) and get you into the next price range. She actually put in a few that were far below our budget, but they just didn't take the cut. Overall, we felt she was fun to speak with, and we felt comfortable with what she was saying and it didn't sound phoney. As for some who think that Chinese instruments are "just as good." That is true, you can find some reputable dealers, and Chinese can make instruments. Just look at classical and vintage erhu. They last forever as well. Unfortunately, the mass producted and bad ones outnumber the good ones, so it's tough to sell a product you can not guarantee or trust. My daughter's previous instrument was a Chinese violin, and it was good, but the tone and sound has changed so much over the years, that it just did not hold up. Did it fall apart? No, but it does not hold up well over time. Is any store perfect all the time? Probably very few. You can catch any store at the wrong day and the wrong time. Things happen. We were referred to Menzel by my daughters' musical teacher, and from the first visit, it was so different from our past experiences with their previous instrument purchases. Mo Menzel is so friendly, almost overly friendly at times, but very professional and courteous. read more

I am giving Mo Violins a 5 out of 5 for every aspect of her establishment. If I could give a 10 out of 10 I would. First, she is a very honest business owner and her prices are most reasonable. She is not trying to price gouge in this very "expensive" market. Her ethics and capabilities are beyond compare. She will not only sell you a great violin or other instrument, she is present for you when you come upon a question or need an adjustment about your instrument. After buying a violin from her, months later I realized I had used a very damaging rosin that I purchased online. She patiently cleaned my bow, using expertise and tenderness, for as long as she needed to fix the bow and make my violin sing again. Her standards are very high and Mo is extremely motivated to make you a satisfied and happy customer. I would not go anywhere else to purchase a violin or other instrument. I would even go out of state to get to her. read more

I have been going here since I started play ing in the 80's. Even though I now live inMD, I came back here because I knew I would be very well taken care of and I was not disappointed. She turned my decades old violin into a superstar. Never tried to make me buy the most expensive option and was never pushy. Best violin shop ever! read more

Menzel Violins - Looks, feels and sounds brand new! Wonderful job!!! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Livingston, New Jersey

This review is based on my experience with the female owner who sold me a viola bow about five years ago. She clearly did not know what she was talking about and clearly did not play an instrument. In fact it was comical watching her try to show me the performance of the bow as she squeaked out Mary had a Little Lamb on a violin since she didn't want me to try out the bow too much. I was desperate so I still bought the bow from her. I liked the store when her father owned it. read more

Excellent quality instruments. Perfect, and they all sound fantastic. The owner is nice and sincere. Mo will help you to choose the perfect instrument while you listen to different instruments in the listening chair. I'd definitely come here again. I would give 1000 stars if I could :) read more

I have visited Menzel Violins twice in the past two months, the first time to find my dream violin and the second to evaluate the violin I already own and to find the bow that would bring out its best sound. Mo Menzel has a beautiful space with the instruments on display and accessible, hanging in rows in warm wood frames going up to the ceiling. The open space, recessed lighting and comfortable seating make one feel that they are in a special place. During both visits, Mo Menzel gave me her full attention, listening carefully to what I was looking for, and spent generous time and unstinting effort to make sure that I left there fully satisfied. I was impressed with her insight, energy and knowledge of violins and grateful that she channeled all into finding me the right instrument and two bows with which I am totally happy. She generously let me try numbers of violins and bows without hesitation, picking out the ones she thought would fulfill my wishes until she narrowed the choices down to those I favored. This after my visit to another dealer where, with no guidance and no way to get close to the instruments, I had to point over a counter to a distant violin I thought I wanted to try and where, after 4 violins, I began to feel that I was imposing on the staff. Mo Menzel gets my fullest and most enthusiastic recommendation. It was a pleasure doing business with her! read more

I have been to Menzel Violins three times for purchases and repairs (to an instrument I purchased elsewhere). Walking into that beautiful shop, you feel transported from a strip mall in Livingston. All of my experiences there have been positive. Mo is so friendly and knowledgeable. Her prices are fair and she has never tried to sell me anything I didn't need. She clearly loves what she does, and I look forward to going back. read more

My response to comment from Mo M.: Mo M. assumed the wrong customer. I agree with Wesley T and Jean W.'s reviews. As per my 6/20/2015 review: Horrible customer service. She was very rude and arrogant. Misrepresents information. Cannot be trusted. What a horrible experience. I will not step into that store again. read more

The first thing I noticed when I walked into Menzel violins was the absolute beauty of the store. It is really striking! And the second thing I noticed was the friendliness of the proprietor, who was extremely helpful when I went in to look for a viola bow for a friend's birthday present. She has a huge selection of them, and the bow I purchased was a huge hit. read more

I walked into this little shop in Livingston and was surprised to see such a huge selection of violins. I had been to other shops, but they're selection did not compare to Menzel Violins. Mo, the owner, and her co workers were very knowledgeable and they helped me pick out the perfect violin. Mo was very tentative and spent 3 hours to make sure I chose the perfect violin that matched the style of music I play. How does anyone acquire so much patience! Her advise made me feel confident that I purchased the perfect instrument. read more

Stopped in for strings and got an inspiring motivational speech from the owner Mo. Super friendly , knowledgeable and trusting. The shop is beautiful with the walls filled with violins and other stringed instruments. If you need work done on your instrument bring it here. Thank you Mo read more

This is THE place. I live in Staten Island and didn't want to be taken advantage of by expensive luthiers in the city, so one Saturday morning I took a chance and drove an hour out to Livingston to Menzel Violins. I was immediately blown away by the aesthetic of this store, it is a dignified and beautiful monument to string instruments. I am in my late 20's and haven't picked up a violin in 10 years,and was a bit overwhelmed, but the owner of this store made me feel comfortable and excited about the idea of playing again. I told her that I am a classically trained musician. She asked me what my cultural background was, which at first I thought was a strange question. I told her: Irish and Italian. As if blessed by ESP, she insisted that I play Irish tunes instead of classical. As it turned out, this was exactly my ambition. I have always wanted to be an Irish fiddler. She plucked from the shelf the most beautiful instrument I have ever seen or heard, a violin with a deep, dark and mellow sound and the color of Guinness. I felt like Harry Potter going to pick out his wand for Hogwarts. Two months later, I'm belting out Irish tunes and completely in love with my beautiful handmade German fiddle. Look no further. This is the store. Ignore what some other yelpers have said about the owner being a bit "gruff"... it's called heart! And part of what made my experience so great at Menzel's. I will be back! read more

Menzel Violins - My beautiful fiddle - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Livingston, New Jersey

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love this violin store they sell amazing quality violins. there just isn't any comparable quality violin stores that can compare. this owner knows everything about the violins how they're made everything about everything can fix your violin too. also the store is worth going to just to see. it is one of the most beautiful stores you'll ever step into. it's an attraction just because of the store, and the workers are the most awesome crew. loved every minute i was there and would come back anytime! read more

We visited this store today with our daughter. We were prepared to make a significant purchase and ask questions regarding upcoming maintnance etc. The proprietor was on the phone when we walked in. Although she did not acknowledge us at all, it was clear she was attending to someone in the phone so it did not bother me. However after she completed her call she gruffly asked What do you need? I asked her about some supplies and mentioned we had previously visited another violin store with the same name in another location. At this point she unloaded a tirade on me. I didn't know that the two similarly named stores were not related but she gave me such a scolding!! And called the other store "evil" and accused it of lying about instruments and having terrible business practices. She made us feel like complete idiots. (Its the SAME name... i dont think its idiotic or unreasonable to make this mistake!) My daughter and I were made so uncomfortable by this that we just walked out. The store itself was beautiful and my daughter, who loves music so much, was so disappointed to have seen such ugly behavior in such a lovely setting. I would never return. I will, however, return to the other similarly named store where we found the owner to be extremely helpful and fair, as well as recommended by many local music teachers. read more

We found our way to Menzel's after getting swizzled on a violin rental through a different business. You'd be silly to rent a violin when you can go to Menzels and get a great starter violin set for half the price of the rental. When a string broke on the violin, it was easy to just drop in and Mo replaced the string immediately - no appointment needed, no waiting. We were ready to upgrade to a full sized violin and I was really impressed with the Mo's knowledge and technique playing various instruments so we could hear the sounds and then having my daughter play them to see how they feel and to test different bows. She instructed my daughter in playing different measures like a violin teacher. We purchased a beautiful European-made instrument with case and bow for the same amount it would have cost me to buy the (non-european made) rental violin. Mo threw in a couple of books of music and my daughter lost herself learning how to play "hobo music" (fiddle / bluegrass) and found an added love of the instrument upon discovering the fun side of a violin. Menzel's can cater to a range of budgets between the starter sets and a very wide range of European made instruments. read more

I am not sure what the other reviewers are talking about when they criticize the customer service. It might have something to do with the customers' attitudes. I found the owner extremely helpful and she fixed the problem with my son's cello in a short time and also showed me how to prevent future problems with the bridge. I recommend Menzel Violin to all parents. read more

I love violin stores and this one by far is the best. I bought my violin case here as well as got my bow rehaired. They are very professional, high level. They have a vast selection of great violins. It's a beautiful store with beautiful people and a beautiful history. If I lived in New York, I'd travel to Menzel's in Livingston, NJ to buy or repair my violin. Maybe also buy an extra one for display at my house. I hear through the grape vine that professional violinists travel from Boston to buy or repair their violins at Menzels. i know if i were to become professional, I'd do the same. read more

This shop deserves the highest praise. Mo, the owner, is extremely knowledgeable about both the instruments and the industry, and whether you are a beginner or an expert, she'll help you find the fiddle you need. read more

I went to Menzel Violin store today and was really happy that I did. I am new to the violin and was looking to just replace the violin bow that came with my student violin and ended up leaving this establishment with a wealth of knowledge and complete satisfaction in the assistance that I was offered by Mo. She went above and beyond with helping me out and answering all of my questions. I would without a doubt recommend this store to anyone and will definitely be a returning customer. read more

We've purchased from Mo several times over the last four years with two boys who are playing violin, one in college and one in middle school now. This is the only place that I will go to. If you can handle brutal honesty, you come here. She will tell you what it is and not try to sell you some junk for way more than you should pay for junk. Be ready for an education though. If you are too proud to be lectured to about violin build and quality, the violin sales scams out there, then this is not the place for you. She knows her stuff. We have spent over $5000 on violins and bows from her and do not regret our purchases one bit. The store is beautiful and Mo will find the right instrument for you at the right time in your development. You will never overpay. Also, when you are ready to upgrade your instrument and have kept the original Mo Violin in good condition, you can upgrade and get your original price toward the upgrade. It's very fair! This is a real review coming from a real purchaser, not somebody like Jen who just stepped in the door and got her feathers ruffled. It's really unfair to the shop. read more