FAQ - Fiddles

Why do you require a card security number (CSN) during signup?

It's for your protection! Using the Card Security Number (CSN) when making a purchase increases the security of that transaction. The CSN is usually a 3- or 4-digit number, which is not part of the credit card number, but rather noted on the back of the card itself. Visa refers to this as 'CVV2', Mastercard as 'CVC2', and American Express as 'CID', but they're all the same thing. Basically, requiring the CSN lets us know that you are the cardholder. You should also know that although we ask for it, we never store this information. That would reduce the level of security that the CSN provides.

What type of payment do you accept?

We currently accept Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, personal checks, and money orders. Check will be held for 10 business days after receiving it, (for security purposes).

Is it safe to shop in your store?

Yes, our online store host, Prostores, provides SSL certification to protect all of your information. So, while you create your account, login to your account and process to checkout, all your information will be protected.

Do you drop-ship?

Currently we only drop ship Bobelock cases; all other items are kept in stock because we want to be able to inspect every product we sell before shipping.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes! However, you should contact us before placing an international order so that we can accurately estimate shipping cost.

Do you ship to Alaska, Hawaii, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico?

Yes. However, we do not provide free shipping on orders anywhere outside the contiguous United States.

Do you guarantee that an order will ship out the same day it is placed?

No, but we will make every effort possible to ship by the next business day. Orders placed on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays will be processed the next business day. Some circumstances may prevent an order from being processed the next day. We will let you know if there are any such delays. Some orders that are held for verification, may cause a slight delay in shipping your order to you.

Our student violin outfits come to you ready to play! If you are worried about purchasing an instrument online or unsure of the quality of instrument you are buying, your worries can stop here. Though we encourage trying a violin or fiddle out first before buying, if you purchase a new instrument online from us we are confident you'll be satisfied with its performance. First, we only sell a line or model of instruments that we feel is of good quality for its relative price level. Each line has been carefully selected based on performance and playability. Second, before shipping we use an Inspection Checklist to help identify problem areas, such as a poor bridge fitting or a poorly set soundpost. If required we will make the necessary adjustments to the instrument in order to improve its playability and sound quality. If any fault is found we will correct the problem or the instrument will not be sold.

Currently, we carry Scott Cao, Becker, Genial, John Juzek, Adagio and Cremona student violin outfits. We only stock student violin models, but other skill level or price level models are available by special order. Just let us know what you're looking for and we'll try to get it for you, and at a competitive price.

Can I see or try out an instrument before I buy it?

Yes, if you live in the area your are welcome to come and try out an instrument before buying. As a mater of fact, all of our products can be purchased here at our shop. You must contact us and make an appointment before stopping by.

What is the difference between a violin and a fiddle?

There is no difference in the instrument. Fiddles are just violins that may have been slightly modified with a flatter bridge and a fingerboard that is flat instead of "scooped" lengthwise. The fiddle is really just a term for a violin that is played as a folk instrument in a style of music that is traditional, say bluegrass or Celtic, for example. Playing the "fiddle" very often involves playing dance melodies that are learned by ear or from another person, memorized, and played without reading music.

What size instrument should I purchase?

Violins come in 8 different sizes: 4/4 (also called full size), 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16, with 4/4 size being the largest and 1/16 size being the smallest. There is also a 7/8 size that is mid-way between 3/4 and 4/4 in size. The correct size can be determined by either age or by the length of the arm, but using the arm length measurement is the best way because body size and arm length varies among individuals of the same age. Click here for a size chart.

Are your Violins and Fiddles imported?

Yes, currently most of our instruments and bows are imported from either China or Europe. The Cremona, Scott Cao, Adagio, and John Juzek student outfits are imported from China as are the LaSalle and H. Seigler bows. The Genial and Becker violins are made in Romania. The E. Dupree and R. Geipel bows are made in Germany. Glasser bows are made in the USA.

Do you rent violins?

Yes, we do rent student violins. Please call 919-444-4282 or 919-542-0896, or email for more information about rentals.

Do you do violin or fiddle repair work?

We can perform standard setup for your instrument as well as minor repair work. Repairs that we can make in our shop are replacement of broken pegs, replace a failing bridge, reset a fallen soundpost, replace a fingerboard, and repair minor body cracks, depending on the nature of the crack. We also do upgrades and/or basic setup procedures to improve the sound and playability of your instrument. We will upgrade vintage instruments to have standard bridge setup and strings for classical violin. For those Fiddlers out there, we can make modifications to the bridge to get the desired setup for you. If requested, we will maintain or establish MENC standards on the changes we make to your instrument.

Do you rehair bows?

SG Fiddles can rehair your bow in a timely manner and at an affordable cost. We do professional rehairing using high quality, unbleached white horsehair. Our rates are $35 per bow with $5 price breaks for each additional bow (but no less than $25 per bow). Return shipping is an additional $5. Satisfied or your money back! Call or email for more details.

What if you don't have the size instrument, case, or bow that I need?

Let us know and we will order the size and model you need ASAP. Delivery time would be extended approximately 3-5 days. We also can special order Violas and Cellos in the John Juzek, and Scott Cao, E. Wilfer, as well as several models of Engelhardt and E. Wilfer basses.

Do you carry bows of different colors?

We do not currently carry Glasser bows in different colors, but if the demand is there we will begin stocking various stick and hair colors of Glasser bows.

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