Whether you’re a beginner picking up the violin for the first time or a seasoned player looking for a professional upgrade, buying a violin in Singapore can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. With violin repair Singapore so many choices available across different price points, it’s important to know where to go for the best selection, customer service, and quality instruments. Fortunately, Singapore boasts a range of violin shops catering to every budget, from entry-level instruments to high-end, handcrafted masterpieces. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best violin shops in Singapore, whether you’re a student, an enthusiast, or a professional musician.
1. Swee Lee Music
Overview
Swee Lee Music is one of the most renowned names in the local music scene. Established in 1945, it’s a trusted institution for musicians across genres, including string players. Swee Lee offers a wide range of violins for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. Whether you’re looking for an affordable student model or a more advanced violin, Swee Lee has you covered. They also offer professional instruments and accessories, making it a one-stop shop for violinists.
Product Range
Swee Lee stocks well-known brands such as Yamaha, Eastman, and Stentor, which are popular choices for students and intermediate players. They also have higher-end violins for more advanced musicians, including brands like Scott Cao and Gliga. The shop is well known for its variety of bows, strings, cases, and other accessories, offering everything you need to maintain your violin.
Why Visit?
Swee Lee’s staff are highly knowledgeable and provide personalized advice on selecting a violin. They also offer repair and maintenance services, which is crucial for keeping your instrument in top condition. The store’s location in the city center is easily accessible, and their large showroom allows you to try out several instruments before making a decision.
Price Range
- Beginner violins: From SGD $150 to SGD $500
- Intermediate violins: From SGD $500 to SGD $1,500
- Professional violins: From SGD $1,500 to SGD $10,000+
Location:
Swee Lee Music, 150 Kampong Ampat, #06-02/03, Singapore 368324
2. The Music Box
Overview
The Music Box is a popular violin and string instrument specialist that has built a strong reputation in Singapore. Known for their extensive selection of violins, from beginner instruments to advanced professional models, The Music Box is a great choice for violinists looking for quality at any price range. The shop offers both new and pre-owned violins, and their knowledgeable staff are always on hand to assist with choosing the right violin.
Product Range
The Music Box carries a wide array of violins, bows, and accessories, with models suitable for students, teachers, and professional musicians. They stock popular brands like Jargar, Franz Sandner, and Gliga, offering high-quality instruments at different price points. The store is also known for its reasonable pricing and great deals on violins, especially for beginners and intermediate players.
Why Visit?
What sets The Music Box apart is its dedication to customer service. The staff are experienced musicians themselves and can provide invaluable advice to help you select the right instrument for your needs. Additionally, they offer a range of string accessories, including rosin, cases, and humidifiers, to keep your instrument in top shape.
Price Range
- Beginner violins: From SGD $100 to SGD $400
- Intermediate violins: From SGD $500 to SGD $2,000
- Professional violins: From SGD $2,000 to SGD $8,000+
Location:
The Music Box, 1 Queensway, #01-23/24/25, Singapore 149053
3. Chamberlain Music
Overview
Chamberlain Music is a leading store in Singapore known for its fine range of string instruments and accessories. They specialize in violins and offer some of the finest handmade violins in the country. While they cater to violinists of all levels, they are particularly well-known for their high-quality professional instruments.
Product Range
Chamberlain Music offers violins from some of the finest luthiers and brands, including Gliga, Eastman, and handcrafted instruments that are made in-house. Their collection includes violins at every price point, from student models to exquisite violins suitable for concert performances. The shop also carries premium bows, strings, cases, and other accessories to complement your instrument.
Why Visit?
Chamberlain Music is highly regarded for its expertise in string instruments and offers personalized guidance in choosing a violin. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, the staff will ensure you get an instrument that suits your style, skill level, and budget. They also offer repair and restoration services for violins, which is essential for maintaining the longevity of your instrument.
Price Range
- Beginner violins: From SGD $200 to SGD $500
- Intermediate violins: From SGD $600 to SGD $3,000
- Professional violins: From SGD $3,000 to SGD $20,000+
Location:
Chamberlain Music, 17-18, 3rd Floor, 1 Orchard Boulevard, #03-10, Singapore 248649
4. Yamaha Music Singapore
Overview
As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of musical instruments, Yamaha Music Singapore is a reliable option for anyone seeking a violin, whether it’s for a beginner, intermediate, or professional player. Their shop provides a solid selection of violins, and as you’d expect from a global brand, their instruments are of consistently high quality. With over 40 years in the industry, Yamaha is trusted by musicians worldwide.
Product Range
Yamaha offers violins for students and seasoned professionals alike. Their student violins, such as the Yamaha V3 and V5 series, are ideal for beginners, while their higher-end models are suitable for more advanced players. The shop also offers accessories, including music stands, metronomes, rosin, strings, and cases.
Why Visit?
Yamaha Music Singapore provides excellent customer service and the added benefit of being able to test instruments in a calm, professional setting. If you’re new to the violin, the knowledgeable staff can guide you through the options and help you make an informed decision. Plus, with their reputation for durability, Yamaha violins are known to be reliable, especially for beginners.
Price Range
- Beginner violins: From SGD $150 to SGD $400
- Intermediate violins: From SGD $500 to SGD $2,000
- Professional violins: From SGD $2,000 to SGD $5,000+
Location:
Yamaha Music Singapore, 1 Orchard Road, #03-16/17, ION Orchard, Singapore 238824
5. Violin House
Overview
Violin House is a specialty violin shop in Singapore offering a comprehensive range of violins, from entry-level to professional models. The shop is dedicated exclusively to string instruments, which makes it a great destination for violinists who want specialized knowledge and high-quality instruments. Violin House is also known for its repair and restoration services, which are important for serious musicians who need to maintain their instruments over time.
Product Range
Violin House stocks violins from a wide variety of international and local brands. They carry violins suitable for players of all levels, including beginner, intermediate, and professional instruments. The shop also offers violins made by renowned luthiers, as well as accessories like strings, bows, and cases. Their violins are known for their excellent craftsmanship and sound quality.
Why Visit?
For anyone looking for personalized service and expert advice, Violin House is an excellent choice. Their staff includes professional violinists and technicians who are more than capable of helping you find the best instrument for your needs. Additionally, they offer a unique selection of violins that aren’t available at many other stores in Singapore.
Price Range
- Beginner violins: From SGD $200 to SGD $600
- Intermediate violins: From SGD $600 to SGD $3,500
- Professional violins: From SGD $3,500 to SGD $15,000+
Location:
Violin House, 7 Kelantan Road, Singapore 200007
Conclusion
Singapore is home to a wide variety of violin shops, each catering to different types of musicians and budgets. Whether you are just starting on your musical journey or you’re a professional looking for a high-end violin, the stores listed above offer a range of violins, bows, accessories, and expert guidance. When choosing where to purchase your violin, consider your level of experience, your budget, and the type of service you expect.
Whichever shop you choose, remember that the key to finding the perfect violin is trying out several instruments before making your decision. Happy playing!