Where To Shop
Riedstra’s Violin Shop (Henry & Linda Riedstra)
239 Victoria St. N. (at Ellen St.)
Kitchener ON
519-743-3838
http://www.riedstrasviolinshop.com/
This local music shop has a good inventory of quality string instruments of all sizes for sale and for rental. Rental rates are very reasonable, from $15./month and up. This shop handles instrument set-up and repairs very well and in a timely manner, and also has a a good selection of music, bows, cases, strings and supplies. Their trade-in policy is also reasonable. Drop in – no appointment necessary.
McClellan Instruments & Bows
1442 Hwy. 11
RR2 Kilworthy, ON
416-420-4211
www.finestrings.com
Steve McClellan comes to Kitchener-Waterloo, and sees clients by appointment in their own homes. He is a full service dealer for musicians wishing to purchase an instrument, bow, cases, strings and rosin. Offers the highest possible quality of instruments for students. Steve will also appraise, assess and repair instruments and bows. Steve offers excellent value on trade-ins on instruments purchased from him.
Long & McQuade (Waterloo)
36 King St. N
Waterloo ON
519-885-5669
https://www.long-mcquade.com/location/Ontario/Waterloo/
Located in Uptown Waterloo, Long & McQuade can provide good quality student instruments for purchase and to rent. They also stock a large variety of accessories, and many other musical instruments and equipment.
William Ware Violins
14 Metamora Cres.,
London, ON
519-472-2359
Bill Ware has assisted students in their violin purchases for over twenty years. This excellent shop features a wide range of quality instruments in many sizes and price ranges, and also has an excellent trade-in policy. Instruments are always beautifully set up. Repairs and appraisals are of excellent quality as well. He has a good selection of bows, cases and strings. Please call for an appointment. It's worth the drive!
The Sound Post
93 Grenville St.
Toronto, ON
Toll Free Mail Order Service: 1-800-363-1512
This shop seems to always have what we need when we need it! Their speedy delivery makes it easy and convenient to shop. Orders are usually mailed out or sent via UPS the same day or the next day. Specializing in stringed instrument supplies, they also have an extensive selection of music, books, videos, CD’s, etc., as well as excellent quality instruments for sale. A feature of this shop is their “string lab”, allowing you to try out different kinds of strings on your instrument. This is a Canadian company, started by a Suzuki family. Prices are very reasonable, even if you include the shipping charges.
Shar Music
Toll Free: 1-888-353-7427
This large music store has everything for the string player! Based in Michigan, they are well known for a large selection of reasonably priced supplies and huge selection of sheet music, books, videos, etc. Their Suzuki materials are especially well priced and they often have sales on specific items such as strings, books or violin cases, for example. Ask your teacher to see a catalogue if you need something specific but you can also order online. String prices can’t be beat! Mail order only.
There are many other music stores in Toronto such as Remenyj House of Music and Heinl’s for fine instruments, supplies and excellent repairs. Ask your teacher if you are interested in knowing about some of these Toronto shops.