I've had the privilege of knowing Abbas Selgi and visiting Terra Nova Violins for nearly 10 years, and throughout that time, he has consistently provided truly exceptional service, craftsmanship, and expertise. Whether it's repairs, instrument setup, or helping musicians find the right instrument, the level of care and professionalism is second to none. Terra Nova's collection of instruments is outstanding. I purchased a beautiful Paul Hart cello along with a Pierre-Yves Fuchs bow, and both have exceeded my expectations. It's rare to find a violin shop in Texas that carries instruments and bows of this caliber. As a private cello teacher, Terra Nova Violins is the only shop I recommend to my students and their families. Their rental program is excellent, and they offer a wonderful selection of quality, affordable student cellos that are properly set up and ready to play. I know my students are receiving instruments that will help them succeed rather than hold them back! If you're looking for a shop that genuinely cares about musicians at every level, from beginners to professionals, I cannot recommend Terra Nova Violins highly enough! read more

Abbas is a true man of the trade, he has an unwavering commitment to his clients as someone who has bought sold and traded with him over the years I cannot express how much I can recommend him and his shop. I only get my bows re-haired there and I only deal with him. Symphony players and my own quartet all take our instruments to get serviced by him. He can turn the most impossible looking instrument into playing gold. For anyone looking to rent he has the best quality for the price, for anyone looking for a professional to buy consign or sell he will be completely 100% transparent with you! Abbas (owner) and his crew are second to none in the San Antonio Area! You can spend hours in his shop and STILL find something new. I am going back for a case myself and a few more repairs. read more

This place has the worst organizational skills and customer service in town! I have never had this level of pompous, arrogant, pretentious, behavior exhibited to me by a business owner. I was given a time frame and ghosted. Deadline passes for my instrument, I call to remind that I need it; was assured it be ready the next day at noon. I get there the next day before they close and what do you know!?, they haven't even touched the instrument yet! This is very disrespectful to your customers. Then the owner gets an attitude cause I explain to him this is not how to run a business. Customers should never have to call back because you decided to ghost them. I demanded my money back immediately and they rightfully gave it back because the owner knew he was in the wrong. What a waste of time and effort. The best thing that came out of this was I found The Texas Violin Shop! They solved all my problems and even set us up on a practically new violin rental that was massively superior in quality to the Terra Nova violin we previously purchased! So thanks terra Nova for dropping the ball or we would have never found The Texas Violin Shop! read more

Great customer service and knowledgeable, friendly staff! Best place for renting instruments.

I had a frustrating experience with the smarmy, clueless manager/owner who wasted 10 hours of my driving time. His employee told me over the phone that if I drive down 5 hours from North Texas, they would take my violin, hold it for a week to consider buying it. I get there and the disingenuous merchant repeatedly says he has "no idea" who told us to come down, even though his employee scheduled the day of appointment. By feigning ignorance, he was acting like his tiny staff were not responsible for this mistake. Ahead of this trip, I just got the violin appraised for 7.2k and the appraiser immediately recognized it as a Czech instrument. It is 90 years old and still in good condition. But the Terra Nova boss said it looked to him like an ordinary German violin. Either he's an idiot, or the appraiser and the original seller, Antonio Strad, are idiots - I'm betting it's the guy who has "no idea" who is answering the phone and making appointments at his business, and gaslights customers after wasting their time. read more

The Absolute best place to purchase or rent a violin or cello as well as finding teachers to teach for those instruments! We've been using the teachers here as well as renting our instruments for the past five years and And the management is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The price is for renting any instrument is really good and anyone who needs to rent an instrument for middle or high school this is probably the best place in San Antonio. read more

My sister recommended Terra Nova, so I thought I'd give them a try. I brought in a bow to be rehaired on a Saturday; the tech assured me that it would be done by Wednesday. I didn't receive any call or indication that the work was done, but drove across town on Friday, figuring that it would have been done two days ago when the tech had said it would. It was not yet done, and the gentleman at the counter was unconcerned: he couldn't account for the delay nor why the shop hadn't called. I waited another week and called first. The tech assured me that the bow was ready, and told me "you should have received a call when it was done." I assured him that I hadn't gotten a call either when it was delayed or when it was done. Also unconcerned, he told me that he was from the Austin shop and didn't know how things were done in San Antonio and left it at that. The work itself appears to have been done well, which I appreciate. But I'll look for places that have higher regard for their customers' time and concerns in the future. read more

After enjoying a lunch at my favorite Korean restaurant, Il Song garden, my daughter and I crossed the parking lot and entered Terra Nova Violins. Specializing in rentals, repairs, lessons, purchases - this is a one stop stringed instrument shop. Right now (12/27/2010) they're running a Christmas special, $299 for a new violin outfit (which includes the violin, strings, bow, etc.) which normally retails at $525. As a violin newbie (my daughter is starting lessons...) they were gracious and even let my daughter just hold it under her chin, strumming back and forth. They told me to think about it. Encouraged me to not to pay the same price at other music stores and get less quality (some shops have laminate over their violins which dramatically changes the sound/tone.) The teachers are also in house for lessons or teach out of their homes. I felt very comfortable there, friendly staff, majestic instruments. *Renting a violin is $20 a month w/ $3 insurance fee...half credit towards purchases instrument. Not sure about other string instruments rates. Go in person, they're super friendly. read more

Terra Nova Violins - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

I just recently purchased a Classic Model violin for myself. I am thrilled with the very nice service from the owner and from his staff. The owner greeted me and gave me a lot of background information about history of violins and even took time to explain lots of details about my instrument. I am very happy and look forward to lots of hours of practice. "Old dogs can learn new tricks". read more

I just got my viola out of my parent's attic and haven't touched it in ten years. I was so nervous to go get it checked out for repairs, that I almost didn't go. But I am so glad I did!!! I found Terra Nova Violins here on Yelp, and saw such good reviews. I called ahead of time to make sure they could fit me in. I worked with Abbas and his son, and they were so professional yet personal. They were honest about the condition of my viola and bow and offered solutions that fit within my budget. They were so kind and even cleaned out my case, provided me with new rosin, and set me up with a nice new bow. I am so touched by their kindness and even left the store with a smile on my face. I am so excited about starting back up with my viola, and they only added to it. I know where I'll be going for my future instrument needs. Thank you again!!! read more

We use Terra Nova Violins for repair work on our violin or when we've needed supplies for it. Not only are they friendly, but they go above and beyond. Many times my son has taken his personal violin in and they were able to do the repair on the spot at no charge. This last time took 30 minutes and they charged $8! It's such a helpful place that is not trying to take advantage of the customer. read more

Terra Nova has beautiful instruments, friendly/knowledgeable staff, and awesome service/repairs. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a string instrument! read more

I haven't heard a word from these fine folks in 9 months. Not a simple, how are things going, what can we do to make things better, nothing at all. Fast forward to returning the instrument this afternoon. Two payment not received and late fee charges as well. Why no phone call to let me know? We sent two emails to the email address provided. I never received any communication whatsoever. Well, it must've went to spam or something. Terrible communication and no followthrough to speak of from these folks. I would suggest taking your hard earned money elsewhere. read more

Terra Nova Violins is definitely--thank you, Yelp--as good as it gets! I've been going there for all of my musically-related needs for several years now and it's the perfect shop for any string player. They have the cheapest rental deals in town on any of your basic stringed instruments--meaning violin, viola, cello, and bass--and Abbas, the owner of the store, is the one of the nicest people I have ever met and will frequently go out of his way to give you a better deal on an instrument, bow, or case if you are purchasing one. He remembers frequent customers and will stop to ask you if you're satisfied with your last purchase, how your studies are going, etc., and the staff are all very friendly and helpful as well. The selection of instruments spans many, many price ranges, qualities, and purposes and there is a slim chance you won't find something you fancy in here. I bought my first student violin here when the shop had recently opened when I was in high school, and almost a year ago I bought my first professional-level instrument here in preparation for studying music in university. I feel so lucky to have grown up in a place with such an awesome strings-only store like Terra Nova, and that is exclusively where I buy my strings (with a huge selection), shoulder rests, metronomes, other accessories (rosin, mutes, instrument polish, etc.), and sheet music. If you are looking for a particular item and they don't have it in stock, they will order it for you and call you when it's in the store. They also have an in-store violin shop and do great repairs; if you purchase a bow there, they will even give you one free change of bow hair whenever you need it. There is also a lesson studio next door where you can sign up for paid lessons with teachers that Terra Nova hires. Unfortunately, I don't have any experience with that side of the business, but I know several people that teach there and they love it. Truly, there is no better place for a string player to go--whether they are a beginner or a symphony musician--for all of their musical needs. The selections are huge, the deals are great, and the customer service is fantastic. What more needs to be said? read more

Full disclosure - I used to work at Terra Nova Violins. That said, Abbas, the owner, has been a personal friend of mine since long before he started the business, and I know him to be honest, highly skilled and friendly. He is hands-on and makes your shopping experience comfortable and easy. The inventory is amazing - they definitely have something for everyone - so you must visit the shop before making any violin purchase. For rentals I feel that their instruments are the best in town and the maintenance/repair is included. Their rental credit and instrument trade-up programs are very straightforward, flexible and fair so you don't have to worry about being stuck in a student instrument after you or your child outgrows it. Bows, accessories and cases are all top quality and priced competitively, plus they keep pretty much everything you could ever need in stock at all times. Now that they have added private lessons to their offerings I can't think of anywhere else you need to go to handle all of your string shopping, and you get the personal touch of Abbas and his employees plus the beautiful and bright showroom in which to shop. Once you experience the level of service and exhaustive inventory at Terra Nova Violins you will undoubtedly become one of their many loyal customers. The previous reviewer who mentioned strings must realize that all strings of the same brand come from the exact same factory, off the same machine. Whether they are packaged in an envelope, tube, box, bag or whatever, there is no difference in the quality of string. It is very rare for any retailer to offer replacement of strings once they have been installed, since it is impossible to know what caused the string to break. read more

Referees by the YOSA staff, I came in to rent a violin for my daughter who has auditions coming up. I hope she gets in but anywho, the front desk will assist you like they did us in sizing you and picking out the violin that fits their needs. They have a month to month rental and rent to own. Atmosphere is set to make the non player,l want to play. I met two teachers that frequent the place and also gave us tips! Located in the same plaza as Denny's inside 410& blanco. read more

Not knowing much about instruments, I was going to rent a violin for my daughter at Sam Goody. A friend who is a drummer recommended Terra Nova. Such a elegant little shoppe & always very friendly. They provide free repairs with my very affordable rental & my dues go towards any instrument. read more

Terra Nova Violins - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Just left the store. Very disappointed Very unorganized people every where. No line to help people. They just choose to help whoever they want. Next time I'll go dress maybe they won't ignore me. read more

I love this place. I went to buy a new violin, and Joseph and Philip were super helpful. I told them what kind of tone qualities I wanted, what my budget was, and they found numerous violins that met my criteria. I didn't feel pressured to buy, and I didn't feel like I wasn't a priority. I bought a lovely Semnilinner violin, and I am enjoying the rich tones it produces. I can't imagine having a better experience. read more

I've been coming here for years. Mainly due to the fact that this is one of the very few places that has a professional luthier. Most of the time the service was decent, they weren't ever warm or welcoming, but I felt my instrument was in good hands when I left the store. Recently however, I felt the customer service was terrible. I took my baby bass in to get restrung, and they looked at my like I was foreign. Upon picking it up I noticed that they didn't do a bridge adjustment or even set the strings to stretch. The literally just slapped them on and went about their day. When I asked the clerk why they didnt do any of those services, he said they don't really work on these types of instruments so they don't know how. That's fine if you tell me before I leave my bass, not after you do a terrible job and I am forced to pay for it. The clerks feel as though they don't know what they are doing, and they have a very pretentious attitude when I walk in. The only reason I still came here was so that I can get the professional luthier to change my strings. However, he is too busy always talking on his phone so he has his clerks do it. If I am going to pay money to have my strings changed then I rather it be the actual luthier not a seventeen year old kid. I'm not usually one to do this sort of thing but I just finally had enoug. If you're not a classical player than don't bother coming here, because that is truly the only clientele they care about. read more

I've never played the violin before but I got the sudden urge to try and teach myself so of course I looked on Yelp to try and find a reputable place to get a violin, when I came across this place! They have an amazing rental program and I got a great violin for only $23 a month which is an amazing price considering I had absolutely no clue how to play one. The staff was extremely nice and gave me options and information on the violins they had for rent! I've only had it for 24 hours and I've already taught myself so much, so I'll definitely be back to trade in and buy one for myself! read more

Terra Nova Violins is easily the most excellent shop in our area for classical stringed instruments, service and repairs. As a professional musician, I truly appreciate their knowledge and expertise in repairing and restoring our valuable musical instruments. I have been bringing my double bass to Terra Nova Violins for many years and I have always been impressed with the wonderful care at reasonable prices that they have provided for my instrument. I highly recommend Terra Nova Violins! read more

I was referred to this location by my daughter's music teacher. I came in and waited in line. When it was my turn the owner started to get my information and when a Caucasian man entered the store, he promptly stopped what he was doing for me and helped the Caucasian gentleman behind me. So I quietly gathered my things and left. I was shocked and disturbed, especially since he was a man "of color". I went to another instrument store and was treated very well.... They won't let me post Zero stars.... read more

Brought my violin in for an appraisal. Had a written one two days later. Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable.

The team at Terra nova always go above and beyond! My cello is back to sounding amazing! Thanks Abbas for always taking such good care of me!! read more

I posted this on Google last week and since this week I love Terra Nova just as much I thought I'd repost: My 15 yr old decided that she wants to play her viola as good or better than those in the top class of the school orchestra. I hunted down three recommendations but each failed to work out for one reason or another. Our lucky day came when we set about on a search for a viola case and chose to buy one at Terra Nova Violins. The most awesome girl came up to help us after we'd had the perfect amount of time looking at the vast inventory on our own. And, at checkout I asked a sweet young kid who'd breezed in if he by any chance gave lessons. He said he does and happens to give them right there at Terra Nova. We ended up getting my daughter a viola case she loves, six weekly summer lessons with Jackson, two music books and had her bow restrung. We love the lessons! Jackson is fantastic as a person and is a truly amazing musician and teacher. He has lots of energy - positve and happy energy and spirit. The bow was done beautifully. The music books are hard (yay). I am happy. read more

My son started playing bass 3 years ago in elementary school and his teacher reccommended Terra Nova. They have been fantastic to work with. Worth the drive! read more

Do not buy strings from them. They buy their strings in bulk and package them themselves. I bought a set of strings and one broke right when i tried to put it on. It could have been the way it was packaged or just a faulty string.They wont replace it, so it is better just to buy your strings directly for the same price. read more

I purchased a viola from them and was told that I could exchange it when my son grew out of the one I purchased. This has been a NIGHTMARE!!!! I sent 3 e-mails, all went unanswered, spoke to Rachel on Monday, she said we will send out Tuesday and will call if there is a problem. The viola will be there on Saturday. On Saturday, NO VIOLA... Called Tuesday, oh, we will send it out on Wednesday... Guess what, it didn't go out on Wednesday. Get a call on Friday am, we need your CC information in case there is a problem... This was the first that they had mentioned needing this information. I told them, that when they ship it, let me know, I will look for it, when I receive it I will call with the numbers. She said, OK. I get a call Friday evening... we need your information for shipping... really? Several conversations and you are just NOW mentioning this? Won't guarantee anything, telling me I am being unreasonable for asking when it will arrive... REFUSED to send me an e-mail letting me know what the procedures were for the exchange, stated he didn't have time for that... So, I decided that I will deal with a REPUTABLE FIRM, not TERRA NOVA. read more