Strings

Forsyth String Department

Forsyth’s extensive range of violins, violas and cellos have a new home in a climate-controlled show room just behind the second floor instrument department. Customers are welcome to visit the room at any time by speaking to a member of our instrument department staff, or you can make an appointment to try instruments in the company of one of our string specialists.

Whilst many string retailers focus on expensive high-end instruments, Forsyth chooses to specialise in supplying a wide range of high quality instruments designed to meet the needs of students and intermediate players. Our stock is carefully chosen to represent the best value instruments available to suit your budget. Within our selection you will find the best factory-made models, superb brand new hand-made instruments, and expertly restored 19th and 20th Century examples. Our repair and set up department work to ensure that every violin we sell - from the most basic to fully professional - is perfectly set up prior to going on display. The department is managed by string enthusiasts who take great pleasure in sourcing instruments for the store, and in helping customers to select the instrument that best suits them.

The violin section of this site features our current stock of intermediate and advanced level violins, violas and cellos, as well as our own Forsyth violins, which are made to our specifications in workshops in China and the Czech Republic. In addition to this we carry a large number of bows and cases, and a full complement of Stentor student instruments.

We also take great interest in the violin outside of the context of classical music. Forsyth stocks one of the country’s largest selection of electric violins, representing Bridge, Skyinbow and Ted Brewer as well as more modest student instruments. There is also a selection of violins with extended ranges, from modern five string violins and violas to the Baroque viola d’amore.

For after sales service there are three trained technicians based at the store who can help you with any queries or problems. The repair department also offers services covering everything from righting soundposts and bow rehairs to full restorations of antique instruments.