Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for String Instruments in Honolulu
CK Violins has been serving musicians in Hawaii since 1994. Founded by Nicholas Zou and Keiko Saito, both professional musicians and former Honolulu Symphony members, we specialize in string instruments from student to concert-grade levels. Our expertise in instrument selection prioritizes performance quality and investment value, supported by a global network of dealers and restorers. We offer personalized service for first-time players and seasoned professionals, including rentals, repairs, trade-in programs, and insurance appraisals.Our commitment to the local music community extends to partnerships with schools and symphonies, ensuring accessibility to quality instruments and expert guidance. With decades of combined experience, we maintain a focus on customer satisfaction through transparent pricing, multilingual support, and comprehensive instrument care solutions.
Services
Instrument Rentals
Repairs & Restoration
Trade-in Program
Insurance Appraisals
Bow Rehairs
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of combined experience from professional musicians
- Personalized instrument selection from student to concert-grade
- Generous trade-in program with 100% credit retention
- Expert repairs using low-impact restoration techniques
- Multilingual support for international musicians
What people say
Excellent service
Generous trade-in
Quick repairs
Professional expertise
Multilingual support
Services
Instrument Rentals
We offer handcrafted student violins, violas, and cellos for rent. All rentals include essential accessories and professional adjustments. Our inventory features solid spruce and maple instruments designed for optimal learning. Monthly rates start at $30 with flexible terms.
Repairs & Restoration
Our specialists perform string instrument repairs using preservation-focused techniques. Services include bow rehairs, soundpost adjustments, and full restorations. We collaborate with global experts for specialized work and maintain concert instruments for professional artists.
Trade-in Program
Customers receive generous credit toward new instruments through our trade-in guarantee. Original purchases qualify for 100% value retention, while external instruments receive competitive appraisal-based credit. This service supports musicians' progression at every skill level.
Insurance Appraisals
We provide certified insurance appraisals for string instruments through our partnership with Clarion Insurance. Services include damage assessment, repair cost estimation, and authenticity verification. Our evaluations help protect your musical investment.
Bow Rehairs
Professional bow rehair services available with 24-hour turnaround. We use premium materials to maintain optimal playability. Our technicians ensure proper hair tension and balance for consistent performance across all string instruments.
People
Nicholas Zou
Co-Owner
Co-founder of CK Violins since 1994, Nicholas Zou earned his B.M. from Eastman School of Music and M.M. from Northwestern University. As a former Honolulu Symphony member, he brings performance expertise to instrument selection.
Keiko Saito
Co-Owner
Co-founder Keiko Saito graduated from Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo. Her professional experience as a violinist informs CK Violins' customer-centric approach to instrument sales and service for musicians at all levels.
Questions
What instruments do you rent?
We rent violins, violas, and cellos in various sizes for students and professionals. All rentals include essential accessories and professional adjustments.
Do you offer repair services?
Yes, we provide bow rehairs, instrument adjustments, and full restorations using preservation techniques. Most repairs complete within 24 hours.
Can I trade in my instrument?
Our trade-in program offers 100% credit retention for original purchases. External instruments receive competitive appraisals for upgrades to higher-quality models.
Do you provide appraisals?
We offer certified insurance appraisals through our partnership with Clarion Insurance, the largest musical instrument insurer in the US.
Where are you located?
CK Violins is located at The Waikiki Landmark, 1888 Kalakaua Ave., Suite C308, Honolulu, HI 96815, with validated parking available.
What are your hours?
We're open 1:00-5:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Private appointments available outside regular hours upon request.
