Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for String Instruments in Albuquerque
Robertson & Sons Violin Shop has been a trusted authority in the stringed instrument industry since the late 1960s. Founded by Donald F. Robertson, our shop specializes in rare and contemporary violins, violas, cellos, and basses, offering a comprehensive range of services including appraisals, restorations, rentals, and consignment sales. Our team of experienced luthiers and musicians provides personalized service, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of musical needs. We maintain a global network for sourcing instruments while operating a state-of-the-art facility in Albuquerque, NM, featuring three showrooms and a recital hall. Our commitment to quality is evident in our non-invasive restoration techniques, certified appraisals, and curated inventory of over 1,000 instruments.We support musicians at all levels through our nationwide rental program and approval process for instrument selection. With decades of collective experience, our staff includes professional performers, educators, and repair specialists dedicated to preserving musical heritage while meeting modern demands. We prioritize transparency in all transactions, providing detailed documentation for authenticity and value. Our facility accommodates both local and international clients seeking premium instruments or expert repair services. Through continuous innovation in instrument setup and restoration, we maintain our reputation as North America's largest violin dealer while upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and customer service.
Services
Instrument Sales
Appraisals
Restorations
Rentals
Consignment
Repairs
Certifications
Shipping
Setups
Evaluations
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- We offer over 1,000 curated instruments from our global collection
- Our luthiers perform non-invasive restorations on historic instruments
- We provide certified appraisals with detailed market analysis
- Our rental program includes professional-grade outfits nationwide
- Our staff includes professional musicians and award-winning repair specialists
What people say
World-class selection
Expert appraisals
Professional staff
Excellent restorations
Great rental program
Services
Instrument Sales
We offer the largest collection of bowed stringed instruments in North America, featuring rare and contemporary violins, violas, cellos, and basses. Our inventory includes instruments from renowned makers alongside modern creations. Each instrument undergoes professional setup before sale, ensuring optimal playability for musicians at all levels.
Appraisals
Our certified appraisals provide detailed market analysis for insurance purposes. Each evaluation includes physical measurements, condition reports, and photographic documentation. Led by founder Donald Robertson, our appraisal process combines decades of expertise with current market insights to ensure accurate valuation of fine instruments and bows.
Restorations
Our specialists perform non-invasive restorations preserving original craftsmanship. Services include tonal adjustments, crack repairs, and varnish touch-ups using traditional methods. We maintain structural integrity while enhancing playability, serving both local clients and international musicians requiring expert care for valuable instruments.
Rentals
Our nationwide rental program features professional-grade instruments for students and performers. The Johannes Kohr series offers carved wood construction with quality fittings. Sizes range from fractional violins to full-size cellos, all maintained to strict performance standards through regular shop inspections and adjustments.
Consignment
We facilitate instrument sales through our global network of collectors and musicians. Our consignment service handles marketing, transportation, and buyer communication. With competitive commission rates and expert presentation, we ensure timely sales while maintaining transparency throughout the transaction process for high-value instruments.
People
Donald F. Robertson
President and Founder
Internationally respected luthier with over 50 years of experience in instrument evaluation and restoration. Founded the shop in the late 1960s, building it into North America's largest violin dealership through global acquisitions and expert craftsmanship.
Marie Robertson
Vice-President
Key operational leader with decades of experience managing the shop's expansion. Oversees daily operations and client relations, combining business expertise with deep knowledge of stringed instruments to maintain the company's reputation for excellence.
Justin Robertson
Repairs and Restoration
Specializes in advanced instrument restoration techniques. Trained under master luthiers, he handles complex repairs while preserving historical integrity. His work ensures both structural soundness and optimal acoustic performance for valuable instruments.
Angelo De Jesus
Shipping Manager
Manages secure transportation logistics for high-value instruments worldwide. Implements specialized packing protocols and coordinates insurance coverage. Ensures safe delivery for both domestic and international shipments through established carrier partnerships.
Anna Shelley
Sales Associate
Experienced violinist and educator assisting clients with instrument selection. Provides expert guidance on setup requirements and tonal characteristics. Coordinates appraisal services and maintains relationships with musicians seeking premium instruments.
Questions
What types of instruments do you carry?
We offer violins, violas, cellos, and basses ranging from student models to rare antique instruments. Our inventory includes over 1,000 instruments with both modern and historical pieces available for purchase or approval.
Do you provide appraisal services?
Yes, we offer certified appraisals for insurance purposes with detailed documentation. Our appraisals include physical descriptions, measurements, and market analysis conducted by experienced professionals.
Can I try instruments before purchasing?
Our approval program allows home trials for instruments over $1,000. We cover shipping costs to you, with return shipping responsibility for unselected items. The trial period lasts one week.
Do you offer rental instruments?
We provide professional-grade rental instruments nationwide. Our rental program includes violins, violas, and cellos in all sizes with professional setups included. Monthly rates start at $20 for fractional sizes.
How do repairs work?
We accept walk-ins and shipped instruments for repairs. Estimates require physical examination, so we recommend sending instruments through insured carriers. Our specialists handle everything from basic maintenance to complex restorations.
Can you help sell my instrument?
Our consignment program markets instruments to international buyers. We handle setup, marketing, and transaction logistics with commission rates starting at 25%. The process ensures professional presentation and secure transactions for valuable instruments.
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