Kamimoto String Instruments

I changed a violin bridge there and got ripped off. The store charged $170.50. After replacing the bridge I asked the owner about the price. He said they used an aged Aubert bridge and the labor charge for putting the new bridge was over $100, citing his qualifications on violin maintenance. The price also included 10% charge for the same day pick-up. I found that even an old Aubert bridge(1900's) is around $40(others cost around $20) and other store charges around $40 for labor if you don't change the sound post. I have been a client of the store last 10 years and we bought 3 violins from there so trusted the store. If the store provided me with the breakdown of the price before the service I would have considered other options. My son have to play next day I didn't have a chance to get help from others. I don't see the employees who used to help us and it looks that the atmosphere of the store is changed a lot. I suggest to check the price for any kind of repair work before going there and check whether it is comparable with other stores. It was a bad experience and I don't feel like going there again.

Posted 09/19/09 | Report Abuse

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I first met Mr. Kamimoto in 1970 at his Oakland studio on the recommendation of a fellow professional musician. I was impressed at his ability to educate me in the fine art that he practises. His humility is only surpassed by his unequaled strength of being a world class Repairman.Because of my experience with Mr. Kamimoto's efforts on my bass I have enjoyed a much better musical relationship with my 64 Fender bass and my colleague's in the music buissnes. I highly recomend any and every musician to seek his addvice,I know, I will continue to as well J. Murphy

Posted 05/08/09 | Report Abuse

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The employee or owner of that store lacks of integrity.
This is the only store the employee intentionally mislead the customer about the rental contract information.
I stopped buying anything from them.

Posted 07/06/08 | Report Abuse

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the shop looks like a little house. they got a pretty good selection for all levels. the cons are that the shop is small and gets crowded. people are trying intruments all at once and can be pretty distracting. the service, however, is excellent.

Posted 02/17/07 | Report Abuse

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I've come here to purchase both a violin and viola. The employees in the store know their stuff. You can also try out instruments to see how they sound or ask them to play for you. Prices are good and instruments are good as well. If you're looking for a string instrument, whether it be violin, viola or cello, this is the place to go.

Posted 12/19/05 | Report Abuse

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I play the violin sometimes and I go there when I need some strings. Sometimes I'll go there to get my violin tuned. They are friendly and their service are fast. Most of time you don't have to wait too long. I'm pretty satisfied with the rsult and they won't overcharge you. I will definitely go back again when I need it.

Posted 10/08/05 | Report Abuse

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When I used to play the violin, I came here a lot to get my violin tuned and repaired whenever it was broken. Their service is fast and if your instrument was being fixed, you could pick it up ranging from an hour to a day, depending on the damage of the instrument. Their prices are fairly cheap and they don't try to rip you off or anything. On occassions, they would be too busy and you would have to wait. But the quality of their work is just fantastic!

Posted 06/29/05 | Report Abuse

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