I am copying and pasting my Google review here just because this shop is above and beyond my expectations, and they deserve to be known by string musicians. January of 2024 Paul helped us through many phone calls and email communications to find us a full sized cello for my older kid based on our budget and tone preferences. The cello travelled from Vermont to California safely and it sounded exactly what we were hoping to get. My older kid enjoyed it still very much, and it'll be his "forever cello" for sure. (Model is Johann Liebman) Now my younger kid is gradually growing out of his 3/4 violin and is needing a full sized one. I first tried Reverb and had to send back the instrument due to a crack that wasn't photographed clearly. Eventually I thought to reach out to Paul again for help. Paul remembered us and I am very pleased with his kindness and knowledge. He helped answer my many questions and concerns about finding the right "forever violin"; I'm very excited and looking to receive it. (A Laberte violin) Paul does not send sound samples as he's a musician and only believes in "real sound" not transmitted digitally. So you have to trust his judgement. I'll update my review again once we received the violin. I thought to leave a review here first as our cello purchase experience was long overdue and they deserved a 5-star rating for that! ------------------------ Update 2/2/2026 We received the French violin Paul handpicked for us (I gave him a few sound samples for comparisons and ranked my likings. He looked through his inventory and found a violin that is the closest to my favorite sound sample). The violin brand is Marc Laberte. When the violin arrived, due to shipping process or temperature fluctuations, two strings got loose and perhaps the postal service truck's movements also loosened old debris from inside the century-old instruments. After discussions on the phone and over a Zoom meeting, simple remedies I performed at home resolved everything! We absolute LOVE the Laberte. It sounds amazing and the price is affordable. Paul also was very kind and educated us on how to look for a suitable full size bow; he also researched for us a reputable violin shop that is within two hours of drive from us. Thank you for your time and patience with us. We shall cherish this new violin forever. I'm writing these reviews because Paul Perley Cellos should be known to more string musicians in the US. Paul is the most genuine and honest luthier I've ever spoken with. He's a cellist and luthier, his wife is a professional cellist. If you reach out to them, they would save you lots of time from research and you will be in good hands. I'm glad I trusted them and I'd highly recommend this shop to everyone who's looking to purchase string instruments. read more

Paul Perley Cellos - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Berlin, Vermont

The process of purchasing my very first instrument a cello has been very positive. I've extensively researched on finding the perfect one, and the owners Paul and Melissa have been very helpful in answering all my novice questions. In the end I decided on a special handmade one. The store has many options, from beginners to professionals, and everything in between. They also allow you test it out before you purchase. The store also carries other string instruments, the violin, viola, and basses as well. What gave me the assurance of purchasing from here, even though the store is on the other side of the U.S is the knowledge of the owners, whom play the cello professionally. Another selling point was that Paul has been in business for over 30 years, so I know the cello was in good hands. I almost made the mistake of purchasing one on Ebay, and so glad I didn't. They also do restorations, repairs and adjustment services. If you have a kid needing a new instrument, or an adult beginner who is hesitant about starting something new, just go for it. Send them an email or give them a call and they will help you choose your perfect instrument. I'LL BE BACH for sure:) read more

Paul Perley Cellos - My new 2005 cello - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Berlin, Vermont