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September 2023 by Frances Meng
Located in the heart of old Schenectady, this violin shop is one of a kind. I took my six-year-old daughter to the shop about a year ago to get her a 1/4 violin. We were amazed by its down-to-earth setting and yet classical ambience - you only see those in the movies these days. Frank is a very warm and knowledgeable luthier, and he fixed my daughter with a Core Academy 1/4 violin outfit. Recently, my daughter was ready for a 1/2 size violin and she wanted to visit Frank's shop again. Indeed, Frank fixed her with a 1/2 violin made by Robert A. Dolling ( Markneukirchen 1925) - What a find! The girl loves it and goes to bed with it :)..
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September 2022 by Elizabeth Roberts
I've had Frank fix my cello and he did a great job. I later upgraded my cello and he got me a beautiful instrument. I'm very pleased with the years of service I've received from him.
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July 2022 by Q Q
VERY dissatisfied with this luthier.We called in to have Violin that we are considering purchasing from another shop looked at, as we have it on trial before buy, just so that we can have a second opinion before we pulled the trigger for the purchase.WE drive cars, but We are not mechanic, WE ask multiple mechanics to look at the car before purchase.WE live in our body, but WE are not doctors, so WE get secondary opinion on issues that are serious.WE play violin, but WE are not luthier. so when WE are considering to spend upward of 10k for an instrument(our budget), we naturally ask for another professional's opinion.or so we thought.Frank's response "Jus trust the luthier you are buying from, I am not going to take a look at it, my customer trust me blindly".WELL, "trust" is earned mutually through interaction,it is never given blindly.all we had asked for is to have him take a look. We would have paid for that service too, but no, he wouldn't even consider looking at the instrument.I get the feeling that the GUY was not happy that we didn't consider buying from him first. well, he may have had that chance in the future if he worked with us.We reached out, hoping to form a "trusting" relationship, but as is, Frank slapped our hands away, so he lost us PERMANENTLY.
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June 2022 by Go Tnaka
VERY dissatisfied with this luthier. We called in to have Violin that we are considering purchasing from another shop looked at, as we have it on trial before buy, just so that we can have a second opinion before we pulled the trigger for the purchase. WE drive cars, but We are not mechanic, WE ask multiple mechanics to look at the car before purchase. WE live in our body, but WE are not doctors, so WE get secondary opinion on issues that are serious. WE play violin, but WE are not luthier. so when WE are considering to spend upward of 10k for an instrument(our budget), we naturally ask for another professional's opinion. or so we thought. Frank's response "Jus trust the luthier you are buying from, I am not going to take a look at it, my customer trust me blindly". WELL, "trust" is earned mutually through interaction, it is never given blindly. all we had asked for is to have him take a look. We would have paid for that service too, but no, he wouldn't even consider looking at the instrument. I get the feeling that the GUY was not happy that we didn't consider buying from him first. well, he may have had that chance in the future if he worked with us. We reached out, hoping to form a "trusting" relationship, but as is, Frank slapped our outreached hand away, so he lost us PERMANENTLY.
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June 2022 by Tsuyoshi T.
VERY dissatisfied with this luthier. We called in to have Violin that we are considering purchasing from another shop looked at, as we have it on trial before buy, just so that we can have a second opinion before we pulled the trigger for the purchase. WE drive cars, but We are not mechanic, WE ask multiple mechanics to look at the car before purchase. WE live in our body, but WE are not doctors, so WE get secondary opinion on issues that are serious. WE play violin, but WE are not luthier. so when WE are considering to spend upward of 10k for an instrument(our budget), we naturally ask for another professional's opinion. or so we thought. Frank's response "Jus trust the luthier you are buying from, I am not going to take a look at it, my customer trust me blindly" WELL, "trust" is earned mutually through interaction, it is never given blindly. all we had asked for is to have him take a look. We would have paid for that service too, but no, he wouldn't even consider looking at the instrument. I get the feeling that the GUY was not happy that we didn't consider buying from him first. well, he may have had that chance in the future if he worked with us. We reached out, hoping to form a "trusting" relationship, but as is, Frank slapped our outreached hand away, so he lost us PERMANENTLY.
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February 2022 by Sean Calhoun
Mr. Marchitto has taught me numerous things about the violin even though I have only visited his shop a few times. He is knowledgeable and you should go to his shop!!!
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November 2019 by Steven W.
This is a wonderful place to get a string instrument such as Violins, Viola or Bass string type instruments. It is a family owned place small but serves it's purpose for those that are looking to start out in this way weather in school or at home as a hobby. Sometimes it is hard to get a hold of them because it is not a place that is open all the time it is scheduled by appointment. My son did this for school and loved and had a great time and if you are looking to try it out this is a great way to start. Prices are very reasonable and very fair. Give it a try and see if you would like to play these instruments I believe you will not be disappointed that you did. Thanks for listening.
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August 2019 by Sandy Kear
Relaxed atmosphere, no pressure, does great work!
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February 2019 by Barbara DelCogliano
One of a kind! Frank Marchitto is incredibly knowledgeable and talented. We rented a viola from Frank for my daughter for years before we bought her own. Frank always maintained them beautifully and then found the most beautiful sounding viola when we decided to purchase one. I will never go to anyone else for servicing a string instrument as long as we live within driving distance!
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June 2018 by Jeffrey K.
Caveat Emptor. Rented cello for my son. Cello and bow were in good condition. Resin was supplied was dried out, cracked and crumbling--completely useless. Rental terms were terse and slightly miss-leading. Not necessarily forth coming with information so make sure to ask questions if any doubts arise. Hours listed on Yelp are not same hours posted (no Saturday hours). Also business appears to be open during those hours only by appointment so make sure to call ahead especially if traveling a distance.
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May 2018 by Bob Johnson
Nice. And clean
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May 2018 by katie r
I cannot day enough good things about this shop. Frank is very congenial and is up front about what your instrument will need. He worked within our budget to find my child a wonderful sounding violin, and has rehaired and repaired a broken bow. Also a great place to pick up rosin or w new case if your zipper blows out.
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May 2018 by Ann Calabro
I brought in 2 violins needing repairs. Frank fixed them up nicely, I had them back within a week. Great place to do business. He rents school instruments too.
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December 2017 by William Hopkins
Frank is very attentive to detail
