Trialing and Purchasing an Instrument or Bow
Local trials
Trials of instruments and bows are offered for a period of one week. During this time, customers are encouraged to play the instrument or bow for trusted teachers, friends, or colleagues. No more than two instruments or bows may be trialed at a time.
In order to trial an instrument or bow, a copy of a driver’s license (of someone 18 years or older) and credit card information must be left on file with Gig Violins LLC during the trial period.
Trial by Mail
Trials may now be done by mail. The customer is responsible for the cost of shipping. UPS 2-day air is used for instruments, and priority mail for bows. Customers will have one week from the date of delivery to trial the instrument or bow (may be extended to 2 weeks on request). A 20% deposit will be required. The deposit will be refunded minus the cost of shipping when the instrument or bow is back in possession of Gig Violins LLC, or will be applied to the purchase price of the instrument or bow.
Only one instrument (or two bows) may be trialed at a time. In order to trial an instrument or bow, a customer must be 18 years of age or older. A copy of a driver’s license and credit card information must be left on file with Gig Violins LLC during the trial period. During the time of the trial, the instrument or bow may not leave the USA.
Purchasing an Instrument
Trade-Ins
Instruments from other makers or dealers may be accepted for trade-in value on a new instrument on a case-by-case basis. At this time, trade-ins may only be accepted in person, not by mail. Please provide the original proof of purchase from the sale when enquiring, instruments without proof of purchase will not be considered. Due to the nature of retail, Gig Violins LLC will not be able to offer more than 50% (likely less) of the previous purchase price as trade-in value on a new instrument, to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Condition and saleability will be factored into the offer.
Master instruments made by Nathan Giglierano and sold by Gig Violins LLC may be eligible for up to 100% trade-in value of the purchase price, minus any cost for repairs deemed necessary at the time of trade-in. Gig Violins LLC maintains the right to change this policy at any time, and this policy only applies to the original purchaser.
Instruments from other makers including Gig Violins Workshop instruments, Maple Leaf Strings instruments, and others (please ask for details) sold by Gig Violins LLC may be eligible for up to 90% trade-in value of the original purchase price (minus any cost of repairs) on any new instrument. The trade-in-value credit may not exceed 50% of the value of the instrument being purchased. Gig Violins LLC maintains the right to change this policy at any time, and this policy only applies to the original purchaser.
Instrument Modifications
Fine Tuners and Mechanical Pegs
Many players prefer to use four fine tuners, or use mechanical pegs to tune their instrument. Many instruments are sold with only a single fine tuner, and with traditional friction pegs. For instruments purchased from Gig Violins, we offer the option to switch tailpieces to one with four fine tuners. We also offer the option to upgrade to mechanical pegs, for the cost of the pegs only (no labor charge).
Sound adjustments
Gig Violins LLC is happy to offer sound adjustments (adjustment of the soundpost and bridge) for any instruments purchased from us. Appointments lasting less than 20 minutes will be done free of charge, after that, a fee will be charged.
Neck and Fingerboard Modifications
The neck and fingerboard of instruments are made to exacting standards. However, we realize that the “standard” measurements may not be a good fit for everyone. Gig Violins LLC can, if necessary, modify the neck and fingerboard of instruments, after their purchase. This service is performed for a fee.
Commissions
Bows
Baroque and Transitional/Classical bows may be commissioned in the following materials: Snakewood, Katalox (Mexican Ebony), Ebony, and Boxwood. Other woods may be available upon request.
A 20% deposit is required to get started on a custom model bow.