Hosmer Violins

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Hosmer Violins is proud to serve the musical community of Central New York and beyond. Since 1970 we have been the place to go for the student, amateur, and professional string musician.

Our specialty is the sale of violins, violas, cellos, and their related bows, as well as strings, cases, and accessories. We are in constant contact with the finest workshops throughout the world to bring you the best value in instruments and bows.

All of the instruments we sell, no matter how inexpensive, are set up and adjusted in this shop to be at peak tonal, cosmetic, and physical functionality. Matching the right instrument to the player and instructing that player in its care and maintenance is our comittment. As long as you own your instrument we will be available for any care or adjustment concerns.

Professional repair and restoration go hand in hand with the sale of fine instruments, because you can’t have one without the other. With our many years of experience, you may be assured that your cherished instrument or bow will be in good hands. And, of course, the new and vintage instruments and bows we offer for sale benefit as well.

Summer is gone--with a vengeance it seems. It won't be long before the leaves fall from the trees (and we have to rake them). School has resumed, and everyone is rushing to get their instruments in shape (like having stuck pegs loosened). We have a number of new and interesting products that we hope will help you achieve your musical potential.

The new violins, violas, and cellos from Deng Yan Shan are finally in good supply. This is their first foray into entry level instruments, and they are terrific in every respect. In the past DYS instruments began at $650, $850, and $1500 for violin, viola, and cello respectively. Now we have a full line at $400, $600, and $1200. And, of course, we still have our Chan Lee instruments as well. Xuechang Sun has replaced our Chan Lee cellos. For $1200 they are a better value. And, of course, all of our entry-level instruments and set up in this shop to our exacting standards.

We bought a number of violins from Snow String Instruments (Xueping Hu). They all have European spruce tops, and the workmanship is superb for their price, which ranges from $800 to $2500. Last week we picked out half a dozen instruments from the shops of Tian Li and Hua Chang Jun priced at $800 and $1200. The beauty of the wood and the varnish is stunning. The Hua Chang Jun cello is a true bargain at $2200.

Eastman Strings sent a number of mod. 305 violins, made in the shop of Yuan Ji. They are usually priced at $1000, but the varnish is the wrong color, so they sold them as mod. 205's which we can sell for $800.

If you need a fractional violin (3/4, etc.) we have many trade-ins in just about all sizes. They are priced according to condition—some are pristine, and some are “cosmetically challenged.” We also have advanced ½ and ¾ sized violins and cellos.

Big news in the cello case field! The new "Cocoon" case is available for a mere $225. It is a "semi hard" case that closes with a zipper rather than latches. It's very light, and it comes with back pack straps. This is a great way to save $225 over the price of a fiberglass case, especially if your cello stays home most of the time. Here's a link to a photo.

If you have taken the summer off from practicing, your pegs are probably sticky or maybe even unmovable. If the latter is the case, please bring it in and we will free them with no damage to your pegs or pegbox. And remember, winter is just around the corner, so make sure you have a humidifier for your instrument. If you have one that is more than 2 years old and you have always filled it with tap water, it’s time to replace it.

There’s lots more stuff that has gone unmentioned, like new strings and shoulder rests and other accessories. Please visit our new and larger shop--there is plenty of parking in back, and since it's after Labor Day we are open Saturdays.

HOURS: TUESDAY TO FRIDAY 11-5 SATURDAY 11-4 (SATURDAYS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY FROM JUNE 27 TO SEPTEMBER 5)
If you have been renting, perhaps this is the time to buy your first instrument. Before you take advantage of any incentives from your rental company, be sure to explore the large selection of instruments at Hosmer Violins. Our entry level instruments are the best available, and we keep the prices on our more advanced instruments very reasonable. Of course, our price includes our own meticulous setup and adjustment, which is especially important with less expensive instruments because they are never set up properly at the factory or at the distributor. With our variable climate, even the best setup needs tweaking (seam openings, neck angle changes, sound post adjustment, etc.), and we cover these adjustments free of charge for the first three years of ownership, after which time most new instruments have become more stable. With this in mind, a free tubular humidifier is included with all instruments.

We are dedicated to providing you with quality. Whether it's instruments, bows, cases, accessories, or repairs, we offer you the best in professional service. This November we begin our 40th year in business, with many more to come.