Business Details
45 Years
experience
Trusted Source for String Instruments in El Cerrito
Ifshin Violins was founded in 1981 by Jay Ifshin, a graduate of the Violin Making School in Salt Lake City. Our shop in El Cerrito, CA, combines decades of craftsmanship with a commitment to accessibility through our Jay Haide instrument line. We specialize in handcrafted violins, violas, cellos, and basses, offering sales, rentals, and appraisals for students and professionals. Our world-class repair workshop, led by master luthier Haide Lin, has over 26 years of average experience per craftsman. We expanded in 2008 to better serve domestic and international clients while maintaining our reputation for quality and expertise.Our inventory includes rare antique instruments alongside modern creations, reflecting our dedication to both tradition and innovation. Customer satisfaction drives our personalized service, from instrument sizing guidance to comprehensive maintenance. We pride ourselves on transparent communication and a client-centric approach that values long-term relationships over transactional interactions. With over 35 years in business, we remain a trusted authority in the string instrument community.
Services
Violin Rentals
Instrument Repairs
Appraisals
Jay Haide Instruments
Fine Old Instruments
Online Store
Sizing Assistance
Rental Contracts
Customer Support
Workshop Services
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in violin craftsmanship and sales.
- Our workshop staff averages 26 years of specialized luthier experience.
- We developed the acclaimed Jay Haide line for accessible quality.
- We offer expert appraisals with transparent market value analysis.
- We provide personalized sizing assistance for all string instruments.
What people say
Exceptional craftsmanship
Knowledgeable staff
Great rental options
Accurate appraisals
Superior repair work
Services
Violin Rentals
We offer violin rentals for all skill levels, featuring student models and our premium Jay Haide line. Our process includes personalized sizing consultations to ensure proper fit. Monthly rates start at $22, with flexible contract options available for long-term needs.
Instrument Repairs
Our expert repair shop handles everything from minor adjustments to full restorations. Led by master craftsman Haide Lin, we maintain historical integrity while optimizing playability. Services cover all string instruments with turnaround times communicated upfront.
Appraisals
We provide detailed appraisals for insurance and market valuation. Our analysis considers maker provenance, condition, and market trends. While we prioritize instruments purchased through us, we offer limited external appraisal services with advance consultation.
Jay Haide Instruments
The Jay Haide collection offers handcrafted instruments at accessible prices. Available in violins, violas, cellos, and basses, these instruments use premium tonewoods and modern construction techniques. They balance professional quality with student-friendly pricing.
Fine Old Instruments
Our curated inventory includes historic instruments from makers like Stradivari and Guarneri. We source, authenticate, and restore rare pieces for collectors and professional musicians. Each instrument undergoes rigorous evaluation to verify provenance and playing condition.
People
Jay Ifshin
Founder
Jay Ifshin established the shop in 1981 after studying violin making in Salt Lake City. He pioneered the Jay Haide line to make quality instruments accessible. His expertise spans instrument crafting, restoration, and industry education.
Haide Lin
Workshop Foreman
Haide Lin leads our repair department with over 26 years of average experience. He co-developed the Jay Haide line and specializes in complex restorations. His craftsmanship maintains historical integrity while optimizing modern playability.
Questions
What makes Jay Haide instruments special?
Jay Haide instruments combine handcrafted quality with accessible pricing through optimized production methods.
Do you offer instrument trials before purchasing?
We recommend visiting our El Cerrito shop for personalized trials with our staff.
How are rental instruments maintained?
All rentals receive regular maintenance from our repair specialists to ensure optimal condition.
Can you repair non-Ifshin purchased instruments?
Our repair services are available for all string instruments regardless of purchase origin.
What's included in rental packages?
Rentals include bow, rosin, and case (soft bag for cellos/basses) with setup adjustments.
How do you determine appraisal values?
We analyze maker provenance, condition, market trends, and comparable sales for accurate valuations.
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