Years of classical training were paying off and I was ready to trade in my slightly-better-than-student level viola for a professional instrument. I was referred to Robert Cauer Violins by my regular instrument repairman (Kevin Smith of Encinitas—look him up as well, he’s excellent), and was amazed when I walked through the door. Based out of what looked like a home, the interior made trying out instruments an amazing experience. With wooden, carpeted floors, the acoustics were very nice and allowed me to hear the instruments I was trying out in a much better manner than in a regular music store. There was a wide selection of instruments in varying price ranges, and the man that assisted me took great care in showing me instruments that fit my needs and wants. I was able to take out two instruments to try them out further at home, and felt as though I got a very good deal on the instrument I ended up buying. They also sell other stringed instruments as well as a very nice selection of bows (which are also very well priced), and also did an extremely good job repairing my old instrument. Robert Cauer himself is a very gifted musician, and was kind enough to step in and talk to us about the instruments we were looking at. They also took the time to check in with us after my purchase, making sure that everything was working out all right and I was satisfied with my purchase. Though it was a two hour drive from my home, I was extremely pleased with the service I received and the selection and pricing that was available.
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