Violin in a navy-lined case with music books, rosin and string accessories on a warm wooden table.

Instruments set up to play their best

Violins, violas, cellos & basses hand-selected and adjusted in our Connecticut workshop. Serving musicians since 1979.

45-day returns on most items · Insured shipping · (203) 661‑9500

45 Day Returns on most purchased goods at Atelier fine strings

45-Day Returns

Return most items within 45 days of delivery. See return details.

Where would you like to start?

For students, parents & players moving up

Choosing an instrument online shouldn't mean choosing alone.

An instrument can look perfect in a photo and still be hard to play. Before it reaches you, our luthiers check and adjust what makes the difference: bridge, string height, pegs, soundpost, and strings. Not sure which size or level is right? Talk to a specialist who plays.

Why it matters

Selected, adjusted, and supported by a real workshop

Selected with purpose

A curated range from beginner to advanced, built by partner workshops in Germany, Romania, and the Czech Republic for stability, tone, and long-term value.

Shop instruments

Adjusted to play easily

A properly set-up instrument is easier to tune, finger, and bow, so students progress faster and stay motivated.

What setup means

The right fit, first time

Use our free FitFinder for a personalized size recommendation, then confirm the fit with a specialist before you buy or rent.

Find your size

From players and parents

What our customers hear first: the sound

★★★★★ Google review

Such a wide range of instruments that don't only fit well but also have great sound quality for reasonable prices.

Tobias L.

Instrument upgrade customer

They shipped my beautiful Canzona violin within a couple hours. The instrument blew my son's teacher away. For the price, the sound and setup were incredible!

John Z.

★★★★★ Google review

The service is the best I've come across, friendly and knowledgeable. The prices are very competitive.

Alex B.

Why Atelier

A specialist shop vs. a typical online marketplace

What matters Atelier Typical online marketplace
Setup before it ships Adjusted in our workshop: bridge, strings, pegs, soundpost Often shipped as it left the factory
Help choosing String specialists by phone, chat, or in our shop General customer service
Getting the size right Free FitFinder plus specialist confirmation A size chart
If it isn't right 45-day returns on most items Varies by seller
When the player grows Trade-Up Program: up to 100% of the original price toward a qualifying upgrade Resell it yourself
After the sale In-house luthier repairs, adjustments, and bow rehairs Find a repair shop on your own

Return exclusions apply; see our return policy. Trade-ups require an in-person evaluation; see Trade-Up terms.

Atelier's Grow With You string instrument exchange program

Atelier for Fine Stringed Instruments

Where Fine European Craftsmanship Meets Masterful Restoration

Atelier is more than a violin shop — it’s a place where musicians, families, and educators discover instruments that inspire confidence and creativity. Every violin, viola, cello, and bass we offer is hand-selected, workshop-adjusted, and curated by experts with decades of experience. Whether you're renting your first violin or searching for a professional-level instrument, Atelier ensures the highest level of quality, care, and musicality.

Young girl playing violin Young girl playing violin

Rental Program

High-Quality Instruments for Students of Every Level

Our rental program is built around one core principle: Students should learn on instruments that make them sound good from day one.
That’s why our rentals are:

  • Crafted in established workshops across Europe and select international ateliers, each chosen for consistency, materials, and reliability.
  • The same quality we use in our step-up and sales inventory
  • Professionally set up in-house for comfort, tone, and responsiveness

Repairs & bow rehairs

A workshop that keeps you playing

★★★★★ Google review

They fixed my cello up and kept me well informed throughout the process. The instrument now plays beautifully!

Joe E.

★★★★★ Google review

Excellent repair of my son's bass. They are meticulous professionals. Excellent customer service.

Chuck A.

Workshop client

Amazing job repairing my violin! I had my bow rehaired and my bridge lowered. Highly professional people. I will definitely be coming back!

Emily M.

Bridges, cracks, soundposts, fingerboards, pegs, and bow rehairs, done by our luthiers.

We work with select makers and workshops whose standards for craftsmanship, materials, and consistency match our own.

Our Manufacturing & Workshop Partners

Questions before you buy

“Fast shipping, great pricing, and answered all my questions.” — Michael C., parent of a student

Our luthiers evaluate and adjust the parts that affect playability, tuning, response, and tone: bridge, nut, string height, pegs, soundpost, fingerboard, fittings, and strings. Learn more about setup.

Most items can be returned within 45 days of delivery in original condition with everything that shipped with them. Opened strings, rosin, and care products, played bows, and international orders are not returnable, and instruments over $3,000 or on consignment may carry individual terms. Read the full return policy.

In-stock accessories ship in 1–2 business days. Student instruments ship in 2–3 business days after setup inspection. Fine and consignment instruments take 3–5 business days for professional packing.

Standard US shipping is free on most orders of $99 or more. Cellos, basses, and oversized items ship at a flat freight or oversized rate shown at checkout. Every instrument ships fully insured.

Use our free FitFinder for a recommended size and fit checklist, or call us and we'll help confirm it.

Yes. Our Trade-Up Program can apply up to 100% of your original Atelier purchase price toward a qualifying higher-level instrument, after an in-person evaluation.

Yes. Cos Cob (403 East Putnam Avenue): Monday–Friday 10–6, and Saturdays 10–2 from June 15 through October 15; closed Sundays. Norwalk (20 Fitch Street): Monday–Friday 10–5; closed weekends. Local pickup is available at Cos Cob by appointment.

Yes, for students in Fairfield and Westchester counties. See rental information.

Ready when you are

Find the instrument that's right for you

Hand-selected, set up in our workshop, and backed by 45-day returns on most items. Not sure where to start? Call (203) 661-9500 or send us a message.