This web site is not enabled for direct purchase of instruments. You can also visit our Vintage-Instruments.com web site if you are interested in purchasing a book or a less expensive instrument that we can ship. As explained in the “Shipping” tab, we don’t ship all instruments- but you can phone the shop with questions and make an appointment to try instruments.
We accept payment by VISA & MASTERCARD, Check, Wire Transfer and other forms of legal tender.
Because vintage instruments are each so unique, we want to have a conversation with you to answer questions, discuss the individual characteristics of an instrument, and your specific needs or concerns. We are happy to take order details over the phone at the same time. There are some instruments we feel absolutely require this kind of dialogue, and you will see that they are not enabled for click & ship purchase. 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 of 8%. Otherwise, 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.
Personal checks are accepted, but must clear our bank before we will ship an instrument. Cashiers Checks are also accepted–just like cash. You may also transfer funds directly to our bank (contact the shop for bank wire information).
We’ve shipped instruments all over the world for more than fifty years, and that practice has taught us many things. Instruments of the violin family are not well designed for the rigors of shipping. We ship some, but not all instruments. We do not ship violins or violas, cellos or bows of values over $1,000. These instruments weren’t really built for the rigors of shipping. We wish everyone could visit the shop, but know that isn’t always feasible. We hope you have an opportunity to visit Philadelphia some day and try some instruments!
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 shipping can be complicated, and in certain cases not possible. This varies according to the country and the nature of the instrument. So, ask us and we will see what is possible. 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.
There are some cases where shipping an instrument is a bad idea, or simply unfeasible. We reserve the right not to ship an instrument.
If you decide not to keep an instrument we have shipped to you, please 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.
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