Beautiful location. Rodger and his family were willing to allow my daughter to play multiple violins during our visit to find one she was happy with. This next part I will put as clearly as Rodger did to me on my subsequent interaction over the phone the day after we purchased the violin. NO RETURNS. I will take his word that he has a sign in the shop that says so. It is not listed on the receipt, nor online. He did say he has done exchanges in the past, but would not make a return in this case. The old adage "Buyer BEWARE" couldn't be any further from the truth. I would recommend anyone wishing to make a large purchase from this establishment should not do so on the fist visit. Take notes/pictures of the items you are interested in and get a second opinion. The violin we purchased regularly sells elsewhere for 1/3 the price we paid. Based on rodgers prior rebuttals to non 5 star reviews, he will respond by saying it is our fault. That is exactly what he told me on the phone "how is it his responsibility that we changed our mind". He is correct, as he himself stated to me on the phone, he is well within the law by having a sign in the shop that states no returns. He went on to say "I don't know what you expect me to do, this is not open for discussion". My question to you, is this someone you want to do business with? Someone who sells a ridiculously overpriced item, and then hides behind a no return policy? I just want others to be informed, do your research.

Received wonderful guidance and options when trading my Glasel cello for a replacement. I feel like I was a welcomed friend into the "Stearns String Family". Left with a wonderful instrument that will serve me well for years to come. Thank you Stearns! David