I have been working with Givens Violins since 2004. The care and attention I receive is like no other violin shop that I have worked with. Claire helped me find my violin in 2006 and has helped dozens of my students find wonderful instruments & bows. The bow re-hairs are always consistent with careful attention paid to the details like grip spacing, hair tension, and other nuances. Doug (luthier) is amazing with violin repairs, set-ups, and adjustments. Their strings and other accessories are competitively priced - unlike other shops which often have a significant mark-up.I love how the shop is so organized, responsive, caring, and professional which reduces the stress of purchasing or repairing an instrument. I appreciate that they are open to suggestions and feedback and I feel like my opinion and expertise as a violinist and teacher is respected and valued. Finally, I love the conversations I have with Claire and the other highly-trained staff when I stop in. Visiting Givens violins is always a joy!I cant recommend this shop enough!

We are located in North Carolina but Claire Givens Violins came highly recommended by my daughters viola teacher. He drove to the shop and selected two violas to send to my daughter for her to choose between. Shipment was speedy and we always felt like we knew what was going on. The instruments were both great and shipped carefully and lovingly. My daughter gets many compliments on her new viola!

You and your staff have been absolutely wonderful to work with. Ive always really loved your shop and will continue to reach out to you in the future for any needs I may have. I felt so well taken care of and I greatly appreciate your taking the time to really pick out some stellar bows for me to try.

What a wonderful and personable experience! I had been looking for a cello for some time without much luck. At the recommendation of a shop in my area, I reached out to Claire Givens Violins. Each person I spoke with was incredibly knowledgeable and eager to help me in my quest for the one. As I live a few states away, Claire had an alternative suggestion on how I could try out the cello I inquired about even though were in a pandemic and a peculiar time. She moved nearly Heaven and Earth to make everything come together. As for the cello I tried out? It was exactly what I had been looking for the past several years! She made everything come together so seamlessly--helping connect me with and buy what has ended up being the cello of my dreams. I am so grateful to Claire and her employees for their knowledge, expertise, and extraordinary hospitality. It was an incredible experience and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Claire. If you are looking for a new instrument--whether student or professional--you can put your faith in Claire and rest assured you will be connected with a special instrument that can be your voice. I cant recommend them enough!

Last week my grandson and I had the opportunity and distinct pleasure to visit Givens Violin Shop in our search for a new violin. Leah M. met with us. She had initially selected three violins and bows in our stated price range. Leah was very patient and provided many helpful and knowledgable suggestions, without any pressure whatever, as we searched for the perfect violin. We were also able to visit with Claire Givens and she graciously provided her insight. My grandson had purchased three violins previously from Givens and received the same fine, personal, and knowledgeable five-star attention. I will certainly return to Givens Violin Shop for my future violin needs and I would, without any equivocation, recommend their high quality instruments and services.

I recently purchased a new violin and bow from Claire Givens Violins. My experience was wonderful. Leah helped me select both and was great. She walked me though the process and had pre-selected several instruments in my budget for me to try. She also selected several bows for me to try and was very patient while I repeatedly tried each.They are my go-to for violin and stringed instrument needs and I would highly recommend them to anyone else.

I would highly recommend Claire Givens Violins. I bought my bow there and Leah was very helpful and patient with me and also taught me a lot as I am rather inexperienced. Ill definitely be going back.

Ive been playing the same old German violin for 33 years and i went to Claire Givens looking to see what else was out there, and perhaps see if i could find another violin to bring home. From the start, Claire Givens staff were exceptional. Leah and I exchanged emails and talked on the phone. She was knowledgeable, engaging and genuinely excited to help see if we could find me a new violin. I got the impression that they really care about finding the violinist the right instrument and listened to what my needs were on both instrument versatility and sound.When I came in for my appointment I was given a tour of the shop (which is beautiful) and brought to a room, prepard for me to try out violins. The whole experience was fantastic, and I couldnt be happier with my new instrument. The hardest part was making a final choice since the whole process of playing and listening (Leah is an excellent violinist) to each violin only served to underline that Claire Givens has nothing but the finest, most carefully picked and well cared for instruments.I also got to send some time talking with Claire who listens carefully and is so incredibly knowledgeable. She obviously has a deep understanding and love of stringed instruments.Ill be back again for sure to choose a bow and I cant recommend them enough.

Took my violin in to get a new bridge made. As always, excellent, friendly, prompt service. I got a nice loaner and the turnaround time for a non scheduled is going to be nice and short! I recommend Claire Givens Violins very highly!

The service at Claire Givens during this pandemic is wonderful. The curbside process is personable and efficient. They have the same great advice via email and phone. They also have in store service by appointment. For me it was a great opportunity to have my cello checked and try out an upgrade cello and bow in my home. It really was easy and pleasant.

Im incredibly happy with the new violin and bow I just purchased from Claire Givens, which is the second instrument Ive purchased from the shop. They have a very generous trade-in policy for instruments previously purchased from them, which I was able to take advantage of. Sales associate Leah was a great help in the violin selection process. The shop is going above and beyond to keep customers safe during the pandemic; everyone is masked, customers are screened for symptoms, and there are shields at the checkout desk and in the showrooms. Thank you Claire and staff for being such an asset to our neighborhood and community.

Roughly 3 months ago, I met with Leah M. to purchase a violin. During the process, she was very helpful and suggested great violins that suited my tastes. Overall, the violin I ended up purchasing is fantastic and I will definitely go to Givens to purchase my next upgrade!

Great service from a very trustworthy shop. Five stars.

The people here are very nice and do a great job with my viola. I got my viola here and I love it

Ive had my bow rehaired there several times and recently got an open seam on my cello repaired. Always beautiful and professional work. Ill go back many more times Im sure.

Givens Violins was recommended to us by my son’s Violin teacher. We wanted to purchase a violin after renting one for several years from our local music shop. Our experience there was fantastic! Leah was friendly and knowledgeable. The measures they provided because of CoronaVirus made us feel safe. We bought a beautiful instrument and look forward to a continued business relationship with Givens.

I met with Leah Meyer to try out some violin bows to purchase. She was very helpful in my selection process, as was my daughter who also plays and accompanied me to the violin shop. I tried approximately 7 bows and wound up purchasing three. They had a good variety and I never felt rushed or under any pressure. It was a lovely experience, start to finish! I would definitely return there if I ever need to upgrade an instrument or need supplies.

My experience at Claire Givens Violins was fantastic from beginning to end. I was looking for a new bow, and Leah did an incredible job listening and learning about what I was looking for. She was very discerning in the selections she brought based on the ones I was discarding and the ones I was gravitating towards. Claire was able to provide even more information about the Knoll now I ended up selecting, helped me to make a donation of a viola to a local community organization, and also helped me to select a new violin case.

I just upgraded to a new violin at Claire Givens and I love it! I was helped through the whole process by violinist Leah who selected violins for me to try based on the qualities my teacher and I described. She was very helpful and attentive to my preferences and also when I wasnt sure about what I was hearing or feeling. I enjoyed hearing her play prospective instruments for me and her feedback when I played for her. Even after I chose a violin Leah helped me with getting a more comfortable chin-rest, and I am thoroughly happy! It was also great to meet Claire who was very enthusiastic and friendly! Definitely recommend this place!

Working with Leah Meyer and the team at Claire Givens violins was a pleasure. Simple to arrange to play violins at home, exceptionally accurate descriptions of the instruments on the web and by phone, and exceedingly prompt informed responses to any questions in the week trial period. A rare level of professionalism and expertise. An outstanding experience. Phenomenal service.

I purchased a violin at the shop about two months ago. Afterwards, I had some trouble getting it adjusted perfectly to my liking. Fortunately, Claire and Leah were very understanding, and helped me try different strings and make adjustments until we got it right. They didnt charge extra, and were patient and respectful the entire time. Im grateful to have such as classy violin shop here. As an aside, Ive been playing every day, and I can already hear the violins sound developing. Thanks again for your help.

Caitlin was wonderful throughout the whole process. Thank you, Caitlin. Though this violin is not of high quality, it is of great value to our family. Thank you, too, to the shop manager that did such a fantastic job. Finally, thank you to Claire. I first walked into the shop over 30 years ago, and its wonderful to see the continuation of quality and craftsmanship that is so rightly associated with Claire Givens Violins.

Very professional and accommodating. Although we didnt end up purchasing our violin from Claire Givens (they were very gracious about it), we did buy a very nice bow! We are thrilled.

Claire Givens always has wonderful service! I accidentally damaged my cello during the pandemic and Claire Givens was open and available to repair my cello within 1 week! They even gave me a spare cello in the meantime while mine was getting fixed. I have never had a problem with Claire Givens and they have high quality instruments for great prices. I would definitely recommend Claire Givens to any musician searching for a local music shop in the Twin Cities!

My grandson tried at least 40 violin bows at 4 violin shops. All shops were good but Givens was exceptional. From the entry room to the tryout rooms the grand elegance of the world of string instruments, of string artists, and of string history comfortably embraced us.Leah, who helped us, was warm, calm and gentle in demeanor, a “rare and precious find of a human being.” Her quiet, self-assured approach was comforting and clearly founded on a broad yet specific knowledge stringed instruments. The personal interactions with our grandson, the facts discussed, and the options availablethat were then brought out for trial, was most impressive when compared with the previous shops we worked with. Claire Givens, the owner, joined us briefly and was affable, knowledgeable, and helpful summarizing the shops general services, repair services, returns, trade-in policy for the next instrument, valuation documentation, and agents who specialize in insurance for instruments.My grandson, after a home trial, chose a bow that he has been very, very pleased with!We were all impressed and will return.Drs. George and Sandra Lundgren

Weve purchased several instruments and bows from Claires over the years... a cello for my wife and multiple violins for my daughters. Everyone at the shop has treated our daughters as well as they would any adult... taking time to discuss with them their needs and to let them try various instruments and bows. The service has always been excellent, the quality of the instruments is great, and their repait shop is top notch.

Let me start with a summary of my feelings: believe all of the outstanding reviews!!This is the first (and probably last) review that I have written for any kind of store, but Claire Givens Violins has absolutely earned my review.I have 2 girls who are 11 years old, and they have played violin for a year. They had been renting violins from a popular violin rental store in town, but they love practicing, and so we decided to get them their own violins. Having no personal experience with violins, I consulted with the orchestra teacher at their school (who has decades of experience, and is extraordinarily well-regarded). Their teacher suggested several stores around MSP, but made very clear that Claire Givens Violins was, without question, the best violin store in the area. We contacted all of the other stores, and after several discussions, it was very clear that Claire Givens Violins had the best service. Some of the other stores had some – interesting – policies.The moment we walked in to Claire Givens Violins we knew that we were in a special place. We appreciated the required temperature check and health questionnaire upon arriving, and also the huge portable clear barriers that are used in the rooms to separate the store employee and the guests - this place cares! The store is meticulously clean, and has the kind of ambiance that you might expect to see in a very nice violin store, and that certainly was a nice start to the experience.When I called the store to set up the appointment, I gave Leah, the incredibly genuine and kind sales person, all of the details about the girls, and also my budget. When we arrived, Leah had several violins in the practice room ready to try, and every one of them was at the very low end of my budget. Leah was completely wonderful with the girls, in no way rushed them and, in fact, was eager to spend all of the time necessary to do blind test after blind test, and to test the violins with different bows etc. Leah is an amazing violinist, and so it was a pleasure to need her to play over and over again so that we could hear what the violins could sound like with many years of practice – it was inspiring! By the time we left, we absolutely had a new appreciation for the sounds of different violins, and could even differentiate the violins after blind tests (most of the time). One of my daughters fell in love with the dark tones of one of the violins, and the other daughter loved a brighter and more powerful violin, but wished that it was a touch darker. Without missing a beat, Leah had her try the violin with a different bow, and that created a winning duo! As somewhat of a formality (and to respect the process rather than impulsively buying), we borrowed the two violins from Claire Givens Violins.After bringing the 4 violins to the orchestra instructor to try (the two from Claire Givens and the two from one other store), it was apparent to her (and all of us) that the ones that came from Claire Givens Violins were the winners. Both violins sounds incredible!We bought the violins from Claire Givens Violins, and my girls are now sad to think that they don’t need to go to the store to try more violins. They told their mom and I that they will think about the store and the nice people who work there every time they play the violins, and I can completely understand why they feel that way, because I’ll think about the whole experience every night when I hear them practice.From the store itself, to the wonderful people, to the very generous policies that are unmatched, the reasonable prices (zero upselling like in other stores) and great overall experience, I can’t possibly recommend this store more highly! My girls are even more inspired to play than they were before this experience. What more could a parent want?

As difficult as it sounds to do bow shopping (very) long-distance, virutally at a time like this, I could not think of any way my experience with Claire Givens Violins could have gone more smoothly! Leah expertly and patiently helped me narrow down my choices from their large selection to match my violin, and sent over bows that really matched the qualities I described to her. It was a joy to work with her and the shop!

I have played the fiddle for four years and was looking for an violin and bow upgrade. Although, I live in Seattle I contacted Givens because I was impressed with their website and the history of the store. I felt I needed to rely on the help of people that are experienced and that I could trust and that is absolutely what I found here. I was helped by Leah who happens to be a fiddle player and she was very patient and helpful with my search for the type of violin sound that makes for good fiddling. The violins were shipped very professionally and packaged to travel safely. Not all shops do trials, some I contacted even locally were not as professional (or nice) or weren’t willing to ship or offer advice over the phone. I highly recommend this staff to anyone looking for trusted advice in finding a fine instrument.

Helpful, and great quality instruments and bows. I love the bow I purchased from them and would go back to them.

Phenomenal service and a lovely atmosphere. I am very content with the high quality of my purchase as well as the help I received while making it.

The staff at Givens Violins is so wonderful, and they provide such high quality instruments at such a great price. I will definitely be going back if I ever need another instrument!

I cant say enough about the experience my husband and I just had at Claire Givens Violins. We are both novice players and we decided to treat ourselves to finer instruments in lew of our anniversary.From the moment we contacted the store to make an appointment to completing out purchase, we were treated with patience, kindness and given information to all of our questions. Leah was our instrument consultant, and honestly I would not hesitate to greet her as I would a friend if I would bump into her in public someday. Claire came in during our appointment and greeted us warmly, which was just an unexpected treat. These people build relationships as they happen to unite players with wonderful instruments.Thank you ALL for your expertise and kind guidance.Dominika and Adam

Claire and her staff were so lovely to work with! Even though I am an amateur they did not treat me as such. They were so patient with my questions and concerns. I am so pleased with my new instrument and the repair work done on my previous instrument! Thank you Claire and everyone at the shop for a wonderful experience.

Bow was fixed beautifully and perfectly! Looks wonderful and plays wonderfully, nice fast service. Thank you very much!!!

As a beginning viola player I was having problems getting the shoulder and chin rest comfortable, in less than an hour the staff person had recommended really useful changes and has greatly improved my practice experience. May thanks to you all.

I have been a customer of Claires for years. This shop has taken me from beginner to professional and I am most grateful for their expertise and fine inventory. Not to mention the workshop, which is second to none in their skill.Now a performer as well as teacher, I perform on a cello from Givens. And a student of mine (at the beginning-intermediate level) came into his lesson this week with a new cello, bow, and all the fixings from Givens. He couldnt stop talking about all Claire told him, the shop, and how great it was to have a new instrument. He was thrilled!Thanks to Claire and the entire staff for making his first cello buying experience so wonderful, and for consistently providing high quality instruments and bows for both young and advanced musicians in this community and abroad.

I Love Claire Givens Violins. It has a fine assortment of Bows and cases to choose from and the staff are all friends who I trust. When one is in need of string instruments this is the place to go.

Excellent service and kindly staff. They have been able to fit me in for last minute work on my violin several times. I am always very pleased with their work and I absolutely love their instruments.

Good selection of wide range of price of instruments. Very good service for purchase selection, instruments adjustment and repairs. Shop environment is pleasant.

Givens Violin’s is a shop of wonder where you will always be treated with respect - as a musician - regardless of your current skill level; beginning student, advanced student, returning adult, or a established professional. They are sincerely interested in your musical interest, and within the magical walls of this shop, there always reside the best professionals, to provide you with the best possible guidance (some are world recognized), at the best possible price. They will always recommend instruments and accessories that are of guaranteed quality and that are right for you at your current level of musicianship. You will never feel as though what they have to offer is above your current level, or below your current level, and they will always help you grow into the next level (protecting your investment in the process). It is a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed!

Claire Givens Violins is a gem of a place. I have been working with Claire and her staff for 15 years or so, buying a violin, violin bow, viola, and viola bow over that time, and I have recommended them to colleagues and students, all of whom have found the experience at Claire Givens Violins to be helpful and rewarding. The shop has an extensive collection of string instruments, and every person working there offers expert service in helping people find exactly what they are looking for in their price range. I am also grateful for the exquisite work of the Workshop staff in maintaining my instruments.

Looked at some really cool shoulder rests and violin cases. Very friendly staff, and overall cool vibe. Ill be back, for sure!

Ms. Givens was extremely professional and helpful. I was living in Missouri and it amazed me how I was able to test several violins quickly and safely. When it came time to purchasing one, Ms. Givens was fair with her pricing, and even gave a small discount for paying in full, rather than on a payment plan. Ms. Givens is a national expert and you can be at ease knowing you are in good hands.

I was a little concerned that this store would be too fancy for me (read “expensive.”) I was wrong. Yes, they have beautiful instruments and incredible customer service but they offered us plenty of options to choose from, a decent price for our trade-in, and they were very flexible and patient with me. Thanks, Claire and Co.!

Great service and experience I received from Givens Violins. Even though I live in Canada, I was able to try out a bow for a month! Would highly recommend without reservations.

EXCELLENT knowledge and customer service. We got all the data and discussions plus more. A very rewarding experience. Wed highly recommend this business.

Claire Givens repair shop saved my water damaged violin from ruin. It plays beautifully now and I could not be happier to have my instrument back. The cost of repair, considering the amount of work needed was very reasonable. I am taking my bow to be rehaired today. Past violin students of mine purchased beautiful sounding instruments from Claire Givens, as well.

Fabulous selection of string instruments and accessories. Very high end products for reasonable prices.

Claire Givens and Andrew Dipper have been extremely generous with their expert advice. Excellent customer service, and I would highly recommend this shop!

This is THE premier violin shop in town, just ask anyone in the Minnesota Orchestra. Highest degree of expertise, yet extremely patient and focused on taking care of individual clients needs regardless of ability level. Simply oustanding.

Very good service and helpful staff!

I have been a customer for almost 20 years. If anyone asks the first name that comes out of my mouth is Claire Givens. Their prices are most reasonable and the quality is top notch. I

I have been a customer for decades now. That should say something in and of itself. I trust Claire and her staff completely. They have never steered me wrong

What an amazing place, we were able to work with Claire and Isabelle, as we played and compared different violins, both were wonderful in helping us make a final choice, this place is number one For string instruments hands down.

Very clean and very helpful. The people there were nice and answered our questions quickly.

Can I do a negative rating? Because that is what this store deserves. It might be good to professionals, which I am not. As a student learning violin, this is a horrible place to go. Not only the parking is difficult, and the products are much more expensive than its competitors. The store might also trick you. Save yourself money and trouble, go to House of Note or Quinn Violin.

Claire is universally respected for her knowledge and honesty. If you have a fine instrument, Claires shop is the only viable choice.

I have done business with Claire Givens Violins since 2009. The work and the service from her shop has been excellent. I will happily continue to do business with them.

Great service over the years.

Great personal service! Wonderful people!

I moved to Minneapolis in 1988 and I can remember the first day I walked into Claire Givens shop. I had been having problems with a new cello that I had bought from a VERY well-known shop in Chicago, but despite all the efforts by the Chicago shop, the cello was still too bright with an undesirable edge to the tone. Claires shop was able to make several corrections to the cello and they worked with me for quite a few months as we tamed my cello and got it to a place where I could enjoy playing again. My first experience at Claires shop was so positive that I have brought her all of my business for the past 28 years. I carry a full load of cello students in my studio and nearly all of my students have bought their cellos, strings, bows, etc. from Claires. Sure, there are cheaper shops in town, but you get what you pay for. Several times Ive had students think they could get a better deal by going to another competitor, but every single time they have learned that they arent getting the same service nor the same quality of instrument that Claire has to offer. (For one family who went to a another shop, their decision to not use Givens cost them $8000 in repairs on a cello that they had already overpaid $22,000 for.) One of the best services that Claires shop offers to all of my students is a free 6 month check-up. These check-ups are vital in maintaining an instrument and avoiding the cost of bigger repairs that can occur down the road. I also appreciate how much Claire is involved in the community with sponsoring workshops, clinics, masterclasses, and helping kids in our community be exposed to fine artists. She has helped people have access to instruments that they normally would not be able to afford, including children with handicaps who need instruments that have been adapted for their special needs. Claire and her crew stand behind their instruments and whenever I have students in to try out cellos the shop is always right there listening to us and making string changes or sound post adjustments so we are 100% happy with the cello that is being purchased. I cannot say enough about how much I (and my colleagues) appreciate having a shop like Claire Givens here in Minneapolis. She is very well respected by the professional musicians and teachers and her reputation is far reaching. I was in Portland in June and was asked to play at a prayer vigil. I had not flown with my cello, so I had to make an emergency visit to the local cello shop to see if I could rent a cello for about 4 days. As soon as I told them I was from Minneapolis and that I used Claires shop for all my business, the owner smiled brightly and told me that I could have any cello in the shop and that there would be no charge.

If your a musician, you need this place

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Wonderful shop.

Very pretty