Business Details
31 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for String Instruments in Bellingham
Quist Violins has been serving the musical community of Bellingham, Washington for over 25 years, specializing in personalized service and quality stringed instruments, cases, and accessories for players at all levels. Our expertise extends to expert repair and restoration services, with Mike Kenneyone of the Northwest's finest restoration artistsensuring instruments receive meticulous care. We are committed to fostering 'Unity Through Music' by supporting local educators, youth symphonies, and community orchestras while offering teacher-approved student rental programs and experienced violin and viola instruction. 
Services
Instrument Sales
Student Rentals
Expert Repairs
Music Lessons
Accessories
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of expertise in string instrument sales, rentals, and repairs.
- Our instruments undergo professional setup for optimal playability and tone.
- Teacher-approved rental program with flexible purchase options and no hidden fees.
- Expert restoration services by Northwest artisan Mike Kenney, member of the Violin Society of America.
- Community-focused approach supporting local music education and youth symphonies.
Services
Instrument Sales
Quist Violins offers a curated selection of hand-carved string instruments from global workshops, including violins, violas, cellos, and basses. Each instrument undergoes professional setup with upgraded components to ensure optimal playability and tonal quality. Our inventory ranges from student-grade outfits to professional-level instruments, with exclusive regional contracts guaranteeing exceptional value and craftsmanship.
Student Rentals
Our teacher-approved rental program provides high-quality, pre-set instruments for beginners, including violins, violas, and cellos. Rentals include bows, cases, rosin, and accessories with flexible contracts, no deposits, and 100% rent-to-purchase credit toward half the instrument's value. We ensure hassle-free exchanges and size adjustments as students progress.
Expert Repairs
Led by master luthier Mike Kenney, our repair services specialize in violin-family instrument restoration using reversible, conservation-focused techniques. We address structural issues, sound optimization, and cosmetic refinishing while preserving historical integrity. Services include bridge carving, soundpost adjustments, and peg/fingerboard refinishing for both modern and antique instruments.
Music Lessons
Experienced instructors provide personalized violin and viola lessons for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. Our teaching approach emphasizes proper technique, musicality, and performance readiness, supported by curated sheet music and method books. Jane Perkins, our resident instructor, also offers specialized bow rehairing and maintenance training.
Accessories
We stock a comprehensive range of accessories including cases, bows, strings, rosin, and tuning equipment from trusted brands like Pirastro, Thomastik, and D'Addario. Our selection includes protective cases, carbon fiber bows, and humidity control systems to maintain instrument longevity, alongside sheet music spanning classical and fiddle genres.
People
Jim Quist
Owner
Jim Quist founded Quist Violins in 1995 after a career as a professional violinist and educator. He studied under David Dalton at Brigham Young University and has taught over 65 private students. Jim advocates for music education, receiving the 2020 Friend of Music award from the Washington State Music Educator's Association.
Mike Kenney
Luthier
Mike Kenney is a master luthier and member of the Violin Society of America, specializing in violin restoration. With experience from Boston and Chicago shops, he has provided repair services for Quist Violins since 2020, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques for optimal instrument preservation.
Jane Perkins
Violin Instructor
Jane Perkins teaches violin and viola at Quist Violins and serves as principal violist in the Whatcom Symphony. A graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, she trains students in bow rehairing techniques and has performed with orchestras across the Pacific Northwest since 1996.
Questions
What types of instruments do you sell?
We sell hand-selected violins, violas, cellos, and basses from global workshops, ranging from student-grade outfits to professional-level instruments with custom setups.
Do you offer rental instruments for beginners?
Yes, our teacher-approved rental program includes violins, violas, and cellos with flexible contracts, no deposits, and 100% rent-to-purchase credit toward half the purchase price.
What repair services do you provide?
We offer expert restoration for violin-family instruments, including bridge carving, soundpost adjustments, and structural repairs, led by master luthier Mike Kenney.
Are music lessons available?
Yes, Jane Perkins provides personalized violin and viola lessons for all skill levels, emphasizing technique, musicality, and performance preparation.
What accessories do you carry?
We stock cases, bows, strings, rosin, tuning equipment, and sheet music from brands like Pirastro, Thomastik, and D'Addario, ensuring comprehensive instrument care.
