Frequently Asked Violin Questions

What is the turnaround time for orders?

One of Gainesville Violins's claims to fame is that we are a niche business that adds considerable value to each and every instrument in our workshop. We don't just grab them from a warehouse or a shelf and ship them like a WalMart. We work on them meticulously (see the "Workshop" page on this website). That is why

• they sound so great and are so comfortably playable

• we can give a lifetime warranty

• our customers rave (see the "Rental", "Customers" and "Catalog" pages on this website).

All of this takes TIME, EFFORT and EXPERTISE. Therefore we request our customers kindly to please allow us ample time to provide you with an extraordinarily great-sounding instrument produced according to the very best of our ability.

Also, to be fair, we must follow the "First come, first served" principle. Orders are processed and shipped in the order in which they have been received.

Accordingly, please place your order well ahead of the time that you will need it. Please allow up to three weeks, and sometimes even longer, for completion and delivery. (In true emergencies, and for professional players and teachers, we can always make exceptions.) Thanks so much for understanding!

Please e-mail us or call us well ahead of time if you want us to bring you a specific instrument or accessory. Please enquire by phone or e-mail if you feel uncertain about our schedule or need more information.

How should I pack my violin/viola for flight on an airplane?

Just as you would pack it for shipping it by mail … but do not put it in a box. Just pack it in its own case (see above). Do NOT check it in, but make advance arrangements to carry it onboard with you.

How can I prevent my bow from warping or losing its hair prematurely?

• Do not tighten the bow too much

• Loosen the bow after playing

• Rosin the entire band of horsehair regularly

• Do not ever touch the horsehair by hand

• Never leave the bow or outfit in a hot car

• Treat the outfit as you would treat a live pet.

How can I mail-order with Visa/MasterCard?

To use your Visa/MasterCard, please "Contact Us" and give us the following information:

• Your full name

• Your address

• The card (Visa/MC)

• The card number

• The card expiration date

• The amount

• The item(s) you are buying/renting

• The name on the card

• as well as any other information that may be needed.

What information should I include whenever I ship or mail to Gainesville Violins? (like a payment or an exchange instrument, for example)

Please include at least the following information: Your name, your child's name (if relevant), your account name (if different from your name), your address, your phone number(s), what the shipment/mailing is about and a copy of your original invoice. Also, if mailing a check, please write what it is for in the left lower corner in the space provided, and send the check attached to a sheet with the aforementioned information.

How can I package my instrument for shipping (via UPS or other)?

The violin must be in a violin case. Use fluffed-up balls of kitchen paper tissue/toweling to fill up the cavities next to the violin's c-bouts, both sides of the bridge, on the chin-rest, and on the scroll. Put full documentation identifying yourself, your address and phone number, the purpose of the shipping (status of the instrument, such as repair, rental termination, rental switch, return of try-out and so forth) and a copy of the original invoice (if applicable) in the case with the violin, then close the case.

Make a layer of styrofoam peanuts in the bottom of a cardboard box which is larger than the violin case, place the violin (in its case) on that layer and fill up the box with peanuts. The violin's case now "floats" in the middle of the box, on all sides surrounded by peanuts.

Put an extra copy of the full documentation in the top of the box and then close the box, taping it securely. Attach a label with your address and the recipient's address onto the box. Contact us before you ship to us to make sure that we are ready to receive a UPS parcel.

See our "Links" page for a link to UPS in order to plan your shipping and calculate the cost.