Poole Violins

I go here regularly for strings and Violin and Viola checkups. Mark is a great guy and gets to know you. Small shop, great quality.

Pleasure to deal with Mark and purchase my first violin

I took my cello bow to rehair about 4 months ago, excellent service, high quality Siberian hair, bow finished in the agreed time, fair price, great customer service overall. Yesterday I took my niece there to try cellos. There's a room to try the instruments for sale and the luthier is really trustworthy, not trying to convince you of anything but simply giving you honest direct information. A plus is to see the luthier's bench and its myriads of amazing tools and tiny wooden pieces!

Mark always offers very sound advice and does excellent quality work for a fair price. Thank you Mark, again! When I can upgrade to a beautiful new viola, I always know who I’ll call first.

Poole Violins was originally recommended to us by our son’s music teacher. When we purchased his first beginner ¾ size violin back in August 2021, we were immediately impressed by Mark’s outstanding customer service even though we buying one of his cheapest instruments. We were astonished by the loving care he puts into setting up each and every instrument to ensure his customers gain incredible value for money and something far superior to an off the shelf item.When it was time for our son to upgrade to full size we returned without hesitation in January 2023 and were again treated to his expectational customer service. He initially recommended a violin outfit which could take our son to around Grade 6 but considering he would not outgrow a full-size violin we asked to also look at the next level up and arranged a day when we would have time to audition a number of instruments. He went out of his way to ensure these were setup ready and we had a great selection to choose from. We were delighted with our final choice, which later received great compliments from our son’s violin teacher. The violin had received Mark’s full professional luthier setup and upgrade treatment with superior stings and his hand-crafted bridge yet was very modestly priced and incredible value for money; which we complemented with a new bow, case and shoulder rest as we had more money left in our budget than expected!We would recommend Poole Violins without hesitation to everyone from beginners to professional players and we always look forward to our visits!

This is truly an excellent shop for any query or product you may need in relation to your violin family instrument. He is a true craftsman and it is amazing to have this shop in Poole. Always willing to help and offer sound and clear advice with the best quality products. I much prefer driving the distance to buy what I need from here as opposed to buying anywhere else. Could not recommend highly enough.

'Mark the Magician' I call him, because if he can't fix it nobody can. I had lots of repairs done to both violin and bow, after my child was messing around with her bow, digging it into carpet. Bow tip broke off, thought it wrecked until Mark rebuilt it with layers of microscopic sized pieces of wood. I couldn't believe it's was completely restored to its earlier self before the damage was done. He's extremely skilled and workmanship exquisite. He's sorted out and repaired all sorts of problems with violin fingerboard, sound post, pegs etc etc...That's the problem with violins...they're made of wood and need attention now and then. Thank God he's there when problems arise. Many thanks once again!!

Had my bridge replaced today by Mark and had a lovely chat to this incredibly skilled man whilst I watched him work. Very reasonably priced. HIGHLY recommend. Very happy to be playing again. Thank you Mark!

Mark of Poole Violins is a true craftsman, who consistently provides his customers with great service. From accessories and sales to repairs, any player of violin family instruments is assured of superb attention. His prices are very reasonable and turn around times for repairs are as quick as can be reasonably expected.