Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Musical Instruments in Williamsport, PA
Since 1989, JR Judd Violins has been dedicated to providing high-quality string instruments and services to musicians of all levels. With over 400 instruments and bows ranging from student models to fine European and American offerings, we specialize in matching clients with instruments that align with their skill level and budget. Our expertise spans sales, rentals, and restoration, supported by 107 years of combined experience among our luthiers. We serve Pennsylvania and surrounding states, focusing on students, educators, and professionals while maintaining partnerships with over 30 public school programs and 16 universities.Our commitment to exceptional service includes a no-contract rental program, trade-in equity, and on-site repair services with a three-to-five-day turnaround. We prioritize customer satisfaction through personalized consultations, ensuring every client finds the perfect instrument.
Services
Violin Rentals
Viola Rentals
Cello Rentals
Bass Rentals
Instrument Repair
Rent-to-Own Program
Trade-In Equity
School Partnerships
Tonal Setups
Restoration Services
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience in string instrument expertise.
- Our team has 107 years of combined experience in instrument restoration.
- No cancellation fees on rental agreements.
- Trade-in equity applies to finer instruments.
- On-site repairs with a 3-5 business day turnaround.
What people say
Expert repairs
Flexible rentals
Quality instruments
Knowledgeable staff
Great for students
Services
Violin Rentals
Our violin rental program offers flexible options for all skill levels, including standard, upper-level, and deluxe models. Each rental includes a bow, case, and accessories with no contract lock-in. Sizes range from 1/32 to 4/4 for growing musicians.
Cello Rentals
Choose from laminate, hybrid, or fully carved cellos designed for beginners to professionals. Rentals include a bow, case, and insurance, with sizes from 1/16 to 4/4. Trade-in equity applies to future upgrades.
Instrument Repair
Our luthiers provide expert repairs and restorations for violins, violas, cellos, and basses. Services include tonal setups, crack repairs, and varnish restoration, with a three-to-five-day turnaround for most jobs.
Rent-to-Own Program
Transition from renting to owning with our rent-to-own program. Apply rental payments toward purchasing a new or used instrument, with flexible terms for students and professionals.
School Partnerships
We partner with over 30 public schools and 16 universities to provide instrument access, repairs, and educational resources. Our team delivers instruments directly to schools and offers dedicated support for educators.
People
Jeffrey R. Judd
Luthier & Owner
Jeffrey R. Judd founded JR Judd Violins after studying violin making in Europe and earning degrees in music education. With decades of experience, he specializes in crafting and restoring fine instruments.
John K. Lantz
Luthier
John K. Lantz brings expertise in cello and bass restoration, combining formal training from The Chimneys School of Violin Making with 18 years of retail management experience.
Valerie Knower
Receptionist
Valerie Knower manages administrative duties and customer service, leveraging 30 years of dental hygiene experience to ensure smooth operations at the Williamsport shop.
Cody Phillips
Repair Technician
Cody Phillips handles cello repairs and school instrument deliveries, combining technical skills from Pennsylvania College of Technology with pastoral experience to serve clients effectively.
Lindsay Shipman
Rental Program Manager
Lindsay Shipman oversees the rental program, applying her mathematics degree and organizational skills to manage logistics and customer inquiries efficiently.
Questions
What does a violin rental include?
Violin rentals include the instrument, case, bow, shoulder pad, rosin, and music stand with no contract lock-in.
Can I exchange my rental instrument for a larger size?
Yes, size exchanges are free (shipping fees may apply) and can be done in-store or by mail.
Are repairs covered under rental agreements?
Yes, insurance covers repairs except for broken strings, which are replaced at no charge.
Do you service school orchestra programs?
We partner with 30+ schools and 16 universities, providing instruments and on-site support.
Can I purchase my rental instrument?
Yes, our rent-to-own program allows applying payments toward purchasing any instrument.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit and debit card payments for rentals and purchases.
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