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V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd. – Your Premier Violin Shop in Calgary

Welcome to V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd., the top destination in Calgary for string musicians, whether you’re a beginner, student, or professional. From instrument rentals to repairs and everything in between, we are passionate about helping you find the right instrument and providing all the support you need for your musical journey. Please rest assured that we will not try to over-sell you, but neither will we direct you towards something less than what you need. Our staff are not paid on a commission basis, and do not have sales quotas. You can trust that the staff at V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd. will look after you! Call us to know more.

Our Services at V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd.

Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass Rentals

Do you need more time to be ready to purchase your instrument? No worries! We offer string instrument rentals that include violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Our rental program is designed to be flexible and affordable, so whether you're new to music or need a temporary instrument, we have you covered.

 

  • Rental perks: If you decide to buy, up to 6 months of rental fees (and the $100 damage deposit) can be applied toward purchasing your instrument!
     

  • Size options: Instruments available for all ages, from toddlers to adults.
     

  • Easy returns: Return the instrument whenever you're ready, with no long-term contracts.


Know more about us to be sure of us.

String Instrument Repairs and Restorations

V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd. has you covered when your beloved violin or other string instrument needs repairs or restoration. Our highly skilled in-house luthiers are experienced in minor fixes and complete restorations.

 

  • Expert evaluations: Bring your instrument in for a complimentary evaluation, and we'll provide you with a precise estimate.
     

  • Traditional techniques: We specialize in European-standard repairs and use traditional materials for heritage instruments.
     

  • Timely service: We know how important your instrument is, so we strive to complete repairs ahead of schedule whenever possible.

You can also read our FAQs to learn more.

String Instruments and Accessories

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or professional musician, we stock a wide range of string instruments and accessories, including new and antique violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. You’ll also find all the extras, from rosin and stands to cases and sheet music.

 

  • Handpicked inventory: Our knowledgeable staff ensures that each instrument meets our high standards.
     

  • No-pressure sales: We’re not on commission, so we’ll help you find exactly what you need without upselling.


Read our testimonials to be sure of us.

How to Care for Your Violin

Caring for your violin correctly can extend its life and maintain its sound quality. Here are a few essential tips:
 

  • Regular cleaning: Gently wipe down your instrument after each use to remove rosin dust and oils.

 

  • Proper storage: Store your violin in a humidity-controlled environment and keep it in its case when not in use.
     

  • String maintenance: Replace strings regularly to maintain optimal sound.
     

  • Professional check-ups: Visit our shop for regular maintenance and adjustments by our expert luthiers.

What Violin Size Do I Need?

Choosing the right violin size is crucial for comfort and performance. At V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd., we offer violins in all sizes to fit musicians of every age.

 

  • Measuring for kids: Have your child hold the violin under their chin and extend their arm down the neck. The size is right if their fingers can comfortably wrap around the scroll.
     

  • Adult sizes: A full-size (4/4) violin is appropriate for most adults, but we can help you try different sizes if needed.
     

  • Rental sizes: We offer violin rental in all sizes, so you can easily switch as you or your child grows.

Explore Our Cost-Saving 80% Trade-in Policy

We've all been there- your child decides to take up a sport or project. You go out and purchase all the required equipment, and a short time later, your child needs an upgrade. After a while, a whole lot of "stuff" piles up. To alleviate this problem, we have set up our trade-in policy. When your child outgrows their instrument or requires a better-quality instrument to progress in their studies, we will use your original instrument as trade-in credit towards the new instrument. Simply stated, our trade-in policy is 80% of the instrument’s original purchase price, less the cost of any maintenance, devaluation, or repairs required to bring it back up to our high standards prior to resale. This applies even if your instrument was not purchased here! (Of course, the instrument must be in good condition.) This is a perfect solution for a parent whose young child is just starting out with the violin or other string instrument and is certain to outgrow it several times before finally reaching that full-sized instrument!

Contact Us for More Information

We’re here to assist you with questions or concerns about renting, repairing, or purchasing string instruments. Contact us, and our friendly staff will be happy to help.


At V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd., we're more than just a violin shop in Calgary—we’re a hub for musicians to learn, grow, and excel with the highest quality string instruments. Visit us today to see how we can support your musical journey!

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Start Your Musical Journey with V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd.

Ready to find your perfect instrument or need expert care for your current one? We’re here to help you every step of the way, from rentals and repairs to instrument purchases. Let our experienced team guide you toward the best solution for your musical needs.

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Best in Calgary
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