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About Us

For over 30 years, The Sydney String Centre has been a trusted source of knowledge and products of string instruments. It is our mission to provide the best quality violins, violas, cellos and double basses for all who wish to learn, play and perform music.

From beginners looking to rent, to seasoned professionals looking for fine instruments, our team of teachers, players and luthiers are all passionate about helping customers find their perfect instrument.

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Dedicated Sales Team

Our sales team are all exceptionally talented musicians who are passionate about helping to guide our customers on their musical journey, whilst striving to provide the highest level of customer service.

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Award-Winning Showroom

Our award-winning showroom is a place where string players can be inspired to play music and find the instrument they’ve been dreaming about. Click 'learn more' for a virtual tour of our showroom.

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Full-Service Workshop

We have a comprehensive workshop to service and setup all stringed instruments that we sell. Our highly trained team are able to execute the simplest of repairs, to bow rehairs and complex restorations.

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Five-Star Experience

Whether you’re purchasing in-store or online, we endeavour to offer the best customer service and the widest selection of quality string instruments, accessories and sheet music in Australia.

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Our Story

Est. 1991

Est. 1991

The Sydney String Centre was established in 1991 by David and Carmel Glanville in the family Garage. Carmel’s years of experience as a player and teacher and David’s expertise as a maker and repairer allowed The Sydney String Centre to be a truly specialised hub for orchestral string instruments.

These days, The Sydney String Centre is a family company, with David and Carmel’s three children – Douglas, Libby and Max – all involved in the business.

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Glanville Garage - Raeburn Ave. Castle Crag Circa 1991

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Exterior of Elizabeth St. Artarmon Store Circa 1997

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Elizabeth St. Artarmon Workshop Circa 1999

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High St. Willoughby Showroom Pre Renovations Circa 2017

Our Instruments

Over the years, we have sought out string instruments that represent both good quality and value for money. We travel overseas regularly to thoroughly examine and test the latest products from around the world. Our combination of overseas and local contacts allows us to stock a wide range of instruments from Europe, Asia and Australia.

Our exacting standards ensure that we do not sell inexpensively made, low quality instruments that may be found online and elsewhere; this, combined with our comprehensible set ups, ensures that we only provide high quality string instruments in excellent working order.

Our reputation as providers of quality stringed instruments means that we have exclusivity in both Sydney and Australia of many fine brands. Instruments are selected by our team of buyers who are either players, makers or both and wherever possible we work directly with the manufacturers to ensure the best possible quality at the lowest possible price.

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Testimonials

Exceptional service was provided by the Sydney String Centre in our recent purchase of a violin for our son. The time and care taken by Cecily was above and beyond and guaranteed that our son chose the best instrument to suit his needs and outcome.

Elizabeth Jones - Google

I had an amazing time here. Thanks to Lou Ortiz . I was looking at high quality violas for my studies and he went above and beyond with his help and kindness. This meant the world to me. I would seriously recommend it to anyone considering purchasing a high quality, professional instrument. Thank you Lou and Sydney String Centre.

Sophia Mackson

Son has been renting his instrument for 13 years. Thanks for the great renting system that helps young kids learning and growing in music Today we bought another violin with great help by Isabella. Very professional and helpful in choosing the products. Thank you

Honest Google User - Google

My daughter rented her first violin a month ago and We were very happy with our experience in Sydney string Centre. Lou was very nice, friendly and patient, and his professional knowledge was very helpful. He gave advice and motivated my daughter to learn. I will definitely recommend Sydney Sring Centre to others.

Tina Tian - Google

The service was very friendly and professional - Olivia played the violins for us, then gave us time to try them out ourselves until we chose the one we wanted to purchase. The exchange with the rental was seamless and helped to cover some of the cost of our new instrument. The lifetime free servicing is an amazing offer. Highly recommended!

Veronika Ravic - Google

Epitome of 5 star, concierge service. From providing advice, selecting the right instrument, testing the instrument and after service

Christine Lao - Google

The Sales Consultant, Yoojin was most helpful and took the time to demonstrate the instrument and how to love and care for it. As an adult beginner I felt encouraged to embrace a new challenge of learning to play the violin.

Craig Parkinson - Google

We recently purchased a violin from the store and it can be an overwhelming experience however we had the most incredible service. Nick was extremely knowledgeable and really took the time to show us all our options and explain in depth the various violins, Nick also shared lots of helpful tips and went above and beyond. Outstanding customer service and couldn’t recommend this shop and staff enough! A big thank you to Sydney Strings Centre.

Raphaela O'Neill - Google

Paul served us beautifully. It took us 3 hours to select a suitable advanced violin. Paul left us alone to do our thing and when we needed him he was able to give us appropriate choices for the next group of violins and bows. We found our forever violin because he was able to cater to our needs. Ask for Paul. He is able to give you wonderful background and information about the violins too. Highly knowledgeable.

Miss Lizzie - Google

The staff are amazing, especially thanks to Lou Orriz, he gave us professional advice on selecting the perfect instrument. Also thanks to Mia for the excellent service. We had a fabalous experience here. Would highly recommend this for anyone choosing a instrument.

Jie Gao - Google

Beautiful place to visit. Very warm staff with great knowledge in repairing my cello. Felt very comfortable to leave my instrument in good hands. Lots of variety of instrument especially strings. Worth to visit if you are looking to purchase one.

H C - Google

Thank you Sydney String Centre for a very positive experience buying my cello. Lou was extremely helpful, and gave me plenty of time to try out different makes of cello and bow. The range of sheet music is very good too. Will be back for all the included services!

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