Visiting Cardiff Violins

We welcome everyone to the shop, but in order for us to provide you with the most efficient and enjoyable service, we recommend everyone wishing to view the range of stock on offer before deciding on what to buy, or those who wish to use our trying out rooms to book an appointment in advance. Saturdays are our busiest days, and there is often a wait for a trying out room. We can spend time on the phone getting to know you so we can prepare for your visit. You might already have an idea of what you want in terms of quality or budget, but if you don’t, we will be able to make recommendations based on what you tell us.

Our opening hours are :

Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 am – 5.00 pm

Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

If you are coming to try instruments or bows,  please call us on 029 20 22 77 61 to book a room and advise us in advance of what you are looking for. If you do not have an appointment, we will of course do our best to accommodate you but it might be a little less comfortable that if the room had been dedicated to you in the first place.

Castle Arcade is a listed building, and consequently, there’s no lift access to the balcony where we’re located, so if you need help to get upstairs with a pram or wheelchair, please call us on 029 20 22 77 61. We can also help you on your way out.

When you visit us, it’s useful to bring your own music, and preferably some repertoire that you know well rather than something you are just starting to learn, so that you can comfortably play the instruments without stumbling on the notes, and concentrate on their sound.

Once in the shop, one of our assistants will be helping you, taking instruments from the racks and putting them on tables or stands for easy access. They can also play the instruments for you. If you wish for a member of staff to play for you, please ensure you book an appointment in advance. Having somebody play instruments for you is helpful so that you hear them from the audience’s perspective. It is also good if you’re a beginner, or feel a little nervous. Violins above £800 can be borrowed to show your teacher but must be returned within one week (terms and conditions apply). Our assistants are not paid commission on sales, and will not exert any pressure on you so that you buy. Our aim is your complete satisfaction with what your purchase and our service.

Bows are particularly difficult to choose if you’re a beginner, as many beginners haven’t studied different bowing styles and techniques, so won’t be able to assess which bow helps them perform at their best. So if you are looking for a bow for yourself or a child, we will be happy to help you in the process, and if they are looking to spend more than £ 500, we will even lend you a few to show your teacher, so long as you can return them within one week (terms and conditions apply).

During Covid times, our utmost priority is to protect our customers and staff, and we follow a Covid-19 policy that allows us to keep delivering a high level of service whilst keeping everybody as safe as possible.

We hope you enjoy your time at the shop as much as we do, and that your visit is enjoyable, informative and memorable.

Read what our customers have to say about their experience with us here.