Business Details
50 Years
experience
Trusted Violin Shop in College Park | Gailes Violin Shop
Gailes Violin Shop has been a cornerstone of musical excellence since 1976, founded by the late Bill Gailes, a visionary luthier whose dedication to craftsmanship and community shaped our legacy. Our team of expert luthiers brings decades of specialized training and hands-on experience to every instrument we service, from beginner rentals to rare restorations. We prioritize personalized service, offering tailored guidance for musicians at every stage of their journey while supporting local music education and military families through exclusive discounts. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our curated selection of instruments from global workshops, all meticulously set up in-house to meet exacting standards.We maintain transparency in all operations, ensuring clients understand every aspect of their instrument's care and value. With a focus on building lasting relationships, we treat every customer with the respect and attention that have defined our reputation for nearly five decades. Our physical shop remains a welcoming space where technical expertise meets genuine passion for music, continuing Bill Gailes' vision of creating a community centered on musical growth and mutual respect.
Services
Violin Rentals
Instrument Repairs
Bow Rehairing
String Instrument Sales
Expert Restorations
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 46 years of specialized expertise in string instruments and repairs
- Our luthiers trained under master craftsmen including Hans J. Nebel and Dario D'Attili
- We provide exclusive discounts for educators and active-duty military personnel
- Our rental instruments meet the same quality standards as our retail offerings
- We maintain full transparency in all repair processes and pricing
What people say
Super friendly staff
Wonderful bow selection
Great repair jobs
Pleasant atmosphere
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Violin Rentals
We offer high-quality violin rentals with flexible terms for students and professionals. Our rental instruments undergo the same rigorous setup as retail instruments, including ebony pegs and hand-fitted soundposts. Rental agreements include optional damage insurance and allow up to four months' rent to be applied toward purchase.
Instrument Repairs
Our on-site luthiers handle all levels of string instrument repair from minor adjustments to major restorations. Services include bridge fitting, soundpost installation, crack repairs, and peg replacements using premium materials. We maintain detailed records of each repair process for client transparency.
Bow Rehairing
We provide professional bow rehairing services using premium horsehair and traditional techniques. Our bow specialists address issues with tension, balance, and playability while maintaining the instrument's original character. We service both modern and antique bows with appropriate care standards.
String Instrument Sales
We offer a curated selection of violins, violas, and cellos from reputable global workshops. Each instrument receives individual setup with premium components including Wittner tailpieces and Guarneri chinrests. Our sales staff provides detailed guidance to match instruments with players' technical and tonal requirements.
Expert Restorations
Our master luthiers specialize in restoring antique and damaged instruments to playing condition while preserving historical integrity. We employ traditional techniques learned from master craftsmen, using period-appropriate materials and methods for structural repairs and finish restoration.
People
Betty Gailes
Owner
Betty Gailes transitioned from teaching elementary music to co-managing the shop with her late husband Bill. She now leads daily operations with deep industry knowledge and commitment to customer service.
David McDermott
Luthier
David McDermott brings over 35 years of experience in violin making and repair, having graduated from the Chicago School of Violin Making. He specializes in fine restorations and handmade instruments.
Eddie Matus
Luthier
Eddie Matus, a graduate of Cremona's Violin Making School, contributes expertise in both instrument and bow making. A professional violist, he offers practical insights into performance requirements.
Mark Mihlbauer
Bow Specialist
Mark Mihlbauer has focused on bow repairs and rehairing since 1980. His training at the University of New Hampshire Violin Craftsmanship Institute informs his meticulous approach to bow maintenance.
Alex Jackson
Inventory Manager
Alex Jackson manages accessories inventory and instrument touch-up work. With a background in violin performance and video arts, they bring technical and creative perspectives to instrument preparation.
Questions
What rental instruments are available?
We offer violins (1/16 to full-size), violas (12" and up), and cellos (1/8 to full-size) with complete rental outfits including bow, case, and accessories.
Do you service beginner instruments?
Yes, we provide full repair and setup services for all skill levels, including specialized attention to student instruments.
Can rental payments apply to purchase?
Up to four months of rental payments can be applied toward the purchase of any instrument we sell.
What repair services do you offer?
We handle all string instrument repairs including bridges, soundposts, cracks, pegs, and complete restorations using professional-grade materials.
Do you offer military discounts?
Yes, we provide exclusive discounts for active-duty military personnel on instrument purchases and services.
How are repair prices determined?
Prices vary by complexity - basic services like soundpost installation start at $60 while major repairs receive individual estimates.
