Frequently Asked Questions

Packaging Instruments
Information to include when shipping
Packing an instrument for flight on an airplane
Tips to prevent bows from warping or losing their hair prematurely
Using your Visa/MasterCard when mail-ordering from us

What is the turnaround time for orders?

Please see the answer to this question on the "Rentals" page of this website.

How can I package my instrument for shipping (via UPS or other)?

The violin must be in a violin case. Use fluffed-up balls of kitchen paper tissue/toweling to fill up the cavities next to the violin's c-bouts, both sides of the bridge, on the chin-rest, and on the scroll. Put full documentation identifying yourself, your address and phone number, the purpose of the shipping (status of the instrument, such as repair, rental termination, rental switch, return of try-out and so forth) and a copy of the original invoice (if applicable) in the case with the violin, then close the case.

Make a layer of styrofoam peanuts in the bottom of a cardboard box which is larger than the violin case, place the violin (in its case) on that layer and fill up the box with peanuts. The violin's case now "floats" in the middle of the box, on all sides surrounded by peanuts.

Put an extra copy of the full documentation in the top of the box and then close the box, taping it securely. Attach a label with your address and the recipient's address onto the box. "Contact Us" before you ship to us to make sure that we are ready to receive a UPS parcel.

See our "Links" page for a link to UPS in order to plan your shipping and calculate the cost.

What information should I include whenever I ship or mail to Gainesville Violins? (like a payment or an exchange instrument, for example)

Please include at least the following information: Your name, your child's name (if relevant), your account name (if different from your name), your address, your phone number(s), what the shipment/mailing is about and a copy of your original invoice. Also, if mailing a check, please write what it is for in the left lower corner in the space provided, and send the check attached to a sheet with the aforementioned information.

How should I pack my violin/viola for flight on an airplane?

Just as you would pack it for shipping it by mail … but do not put it in a box. Just pack it in its own case (see above). Do NOT check it in, but make advance arrangements to carry it onboard with you.

How can I prevent my bow from warping or losing its hair prematurely?

Do not tighten the bow too much
Loosen the bow after playing
Rosin the entire band of horsehair regularly
Do not ever touch the horsehair by hand
Never leave the bow or outfit in a hot car
Treat the outfit as you would treat a live pet.

How can I mail-order with Visa/MasterCard?

To use your Visa/MasterCard, please "Contact Us" and give us the following information:

Your full name
Your address
The card (Visa/MC)
The card number
The card expiration date
The amount
The item(s) you are buying/renting
The name on the card
as well as any other information that may be needed.