Stamell Stringed Instruments - Amherst, Massachusetts

Gabriel P.

I had them fix my bass bow a few years ago and when I got it back I was charged 100$ for them to just glue the tip back on it, it fell of a week later. If I knew what they were gonna do I would’ve never gone. I recommend going somewhere that specializes in basses only. I lost 100$ that day and chose not to go back and have them re fix it to have them do the same thing that they did to fix it in the first place.

Carole G.

Even though I had set up an appointment online, to have my violin appraised, when I arrived, I was told the owner was out and I would have to return. Because I live 40 minutes away I was feeling frustrated with the situation. One of the other employees ended up giving me an appraisal. When I eventually brought my instrument to a luthier for some repairs, suggested by the said employee, I was told her appraisal had been unrealistic, and too high. Overall, not a positive experience.

Skyler W.

Brought my fiddle in with a collapsed sound post. Received a strange condescending tone from them the entire time. I'm not certain if it's because I'm not a classical musician, or if it's because I don't look like their usual clientele, but the vibe was extremely off-putting.

The loaner fiddle's g string broke before I even tuned it up to pitch, meaning I had to put one of my own on. When I informed them of this, they implied that I don't know how to tune an instrument. In addition, the bow badly needed restringing. They chided me that the loaners are a "free service," as though that isn't standard practice.

Was repeatedly judged and corrected for my terminology -- apparently, it's not a "fiddle," it's a "violin," and the terms are not interchangeable. Don't even think about calling the round-back mandolin on the wall a taterbug, or they'll look at you like you're from another planet.

There are plenty of luthiers in the pioneer Valley that can fix a collapsed soundpost, and likely all of them will provide better customer service than this shop. They did fix my fiddle, so they get 3 stars for capable luthiery. However, I will never be coming back. I recommend you find another luthier.

Larry B.

We have been renting cellos for our young son for 4 years now. The store is small and co,y but has a nice selection of almost stringed instruments, music and supplies from rosin to music stands and more. They also carry Suzuki music books with the CDs.

Renting is easy. They help size the right instrument and bow, provide the case and rosin. Getting a bigger instrument or fixing a problem is as simple as bringing in your current one and swapping for another. Calling ahead helps them prepare and have things ready.

They are very helpful and informative and have never had a single problem.

Christina

I rented the tiniest cello for my baby who is about 3 years old. They have a variety of sizes and let us try the instruments. I was quite surprised that they have 1/32 violin! They recommended teachers who can teach my baby, as well. The rental price is reasonable for the very beginners. I love this place. They are professional.

Allen L.

We drove 50 miles and it was well worth the trip. My daughter wanted a tailpiece upgrade. The luthier came downstairs and noticed that the bridge also needed replacing. He did the work while we hung around Amherst for two hours. The violin is much more resonant as a result. Everything—from making the appointment on the phone, to our experience in the shop—was professional and top notch. Highly recommended.

Anne K.

We visited, to listen to a repaired violin. The lady kindly played the violin with two separate bows, The playing was excellent and showed off the beautiful sonorous deep sound. It completely filled the room, and the resonating sound felt like it was playing inside my head as well as in the room. I was enraptured. A remarkable transformation. Well done on the repair, someone will be delighted to make it their own.

Rich D.

I stopped by yesterday seeking help with shoulder rest issues. The staff member who helped me not only took her time trying different shoulder rests, but she fixed the tail peg on my screech box! I've been a musician for 28 years and a band director 17. I highly recommend this store and the friendly staff who works there. I no longer play with horrible neck and shoulder pain!