Payments
We accept payment by VISA & MASTERCARD, Check, Wire Transfer and other forms of legal tender.
Because instruments are each so unique, we like to have a conversation with you to answer questions, discuss the individual characteristics of an instrument, and your specific needs or concerns. Where the instruments of the violin family are concerned – we recommend that you visit the shop to try the instruments you are interested in, as well as others we may suggest to you.
We are happy to take order details over the phone for books, accessories, and instruments we can ship. If you can’t phone us, please start a conversation by email.
Pennsylvania is an “Origin” state as regards sales tax obligations. Thus, shipments to PA destinations are subject to the Pennsylvania + Philadelphia sales tax total of 8%. We collect sales tax for instruments for shipments to other states as required. We recommend that customers check with their state’s Department of Revenue to learn their obligations for reporting and remitting sales tax.
Shipping
We’ve shipped instruments all over the world for more than forty years, and that practice has taught us many things. Foremost, instruments of the violin family are not well designed for shipping. We wish everyone could visit the shop, but know that isn’t always feasible. However, we do not ship all instruments. We do not ship bows over $1,000., violins or violas over $5,000., or any cellos. These instruments weren’t really built for the rigors of shipping.
For those instruments we do ship, we know well that packing well helps insure that an instrument will arrive at your destination in good condition. Typically, we use UPS shipping services. We like to ship straight away, but might suggest waiting a bit if poor weather or long holidays present concerns.
Pennsylvania is an “Origin” state as regards sales tax obligations. Thus, shipments to PA destinations are subject to the Pennsylvania + Philadelphia sales tax of 8%. For shipments to other states we collect sales tax for instruments as required. We recommend that customers check with their state’s Department of Revenue to learn their obligations for reporting and remitting sales tax.
International shipments may be assessed customs and clearance duties by the governing authorities in the country of destination, and these charges are the responsibility of the customer. Additionally, the cost of export permits is charged to the customer, and we may ask to have these paid before the shipment is sent.
Returns
If you decide not to keep an instrument we have shipped to you, notify us by telephone or email within 48 hours of receiving it. If there is some sort of calendar issue that makes this work poorly – please just talk to us. The instrument should then be packed up again as it was sent to you, and returned to us via the same shipping service by which it was delivered, and insured for full value. We will refund the price of the instrument as soon as we receive it, provided it arrives in the condition in which it left the shop. The customer is responsible for the shipping charges.
