Simply for Strings is located at 78 Enoggera Terrace, Red Hill, just a quick drive north of Brisbane city. We are open 9-5 Monday to Saturday, with walk-ins and appointments welcomed all week. Marked by its original stained glass windows, white trimmed arched doorways and spectacular showroom, our Old Church has been host to a variety of businesses over the years; a Greek restaurant, chair manufacturer and a booking agency. The Old Church is now home to a world of music, with a expansive stage and showroom, on-site workshop and purpose-built music library. Please note, the store is closed on public holidays. We happily open on Sundays during summer.
FAQ's
Here's our list of commonly asked questions and our responses. Let us know if we've been able to help or if there's something missing from our FAQ by emailing us.
“Who is Simply for Strings?”
Simply for Strings is an Australian owned and operated, Brisbane based string instrument specialist store. The company was founded in 2005 by good friends, Anna Andriolo and Toby Cumpstay. With quality you can see, hear, and feel, and having refined the balance between quality, sound and performance - our range of instruments is timeless and designed to last a lifetime. So. Whether or not you too (like us) feel moments of musical nerves during performance or you simply feel just a bit unsure where to begin - we’d love to invite you to join our family: A realm where music becomes magic.
“Do you accept trade-ins?”
We offer a trade-in service for instruments purchased at Simply for Strings upon upsizing/grading at our discretion. The trade in value is dependent on the value and condition of the instrument. The cost of new strings, repairs and maintenance will be deducted from the trade in value in order to make the instrument saleable. Our trade-in policy only applies to another instrument of equal or greater value.
Simply for Strings Pty Ltd is a licensed Second Hand Dealer under the QLD Second Hand and Pawnbrokers Act (Licence No. 3132586).
“Do you offer violin lessons at Simply for Strings?”
We do not offer lessons held at Simply for Strings, but are happy to provide recommendations of teachers we know in your area. For learning tips from our team of musicians, visit our blog.
“Do have a rental program?”
Yes we do! Celebrate expression through musicality and experience creative freedom with our Simply for Strings Rental Program where we invite you to learn at your own pace. No strings attached. Learn more here.
“Where is your store?”
“Do you play a role in the community?”
Simply for Strings is very committed to promoting music making in all of its forms. We proudly donate restored instruments to in-need families, schools and organisations across Australia. We have donated over 100 instruments to musicians in need right across Australia. We support a variety of school programs with donations and prizes for P&C events and raffles, and offer sponsorship to Queensland’s Youth Orchestra. We also support regional string teachers and performers with yearly visits to different regions across Australia. More information about our community initiatives can be viewed here.
“Do you sell second hand instruments?”
Simply for Strings sells restored second hand instruments in a variety of levels to suit any player. These instruments are from the Simply for Strings range, and have undergone servicing, repairs or alterations by a professional luthier before they are ready for their new home. Our second hand instruments are generally student and intermediate quality instruments, ranging from $200-$2000. For further details of what is currently available, please email or phone.
“Do you offer laybys?”
We offer Afterpay and Zip pay later options so you can play now, pay later. Read more or contact us today about our pay later options, to see which option suits you best. Learn more here.
“What is your returns policy?”
30 Days to change your mind! We want you to be 100% happy with your purchase. For a full refund, you can return your products within 30 days as long as they are in an unused and re-saleable condition. Please return them with proof of purchase and, if possible, the packaging. Online order customers can use our quick and easy returns portal.
“Can I just buy a bridge and put it on myself?”
We understand during your instruments lifetime that it may need some repairs. Bridges actually require accurate measurement, re-shape and fitting to your particular instrument in order for you to have a great playing experience. We don’t recommend fitting any materials to your instrument unshaped or unfitted, as this may cause damage to your instrument, for which Simply for Strings does not take responsibility. We offer instrument repairs and servicing, including bridge fittings, at our on-site Makers Studio. Learn more here.
“Some of my varnish has been chipped, can I just revarnish it?”
The varnish on your instrument is incredibly unique – after construction, instruments are left to dry for a number of weeks. Not only does this allow for your instrument’s seams to dry properly and settle, but this allows for the natural colours and texture of the materials used to become more pronounced. Varnishes are also created during this drying time and have a variety of ingredients to achieve the desired effect. Each luthier has their own preference when it comes to varnish, and a kaleidoscope of different oils, resins and colouring matter are used on every instrument. Normal furniture varnishes are far too damaging for your precious musical instrument. Embrace the small character marks, and be sure to continue cleaning and looking after your musical instrument. If your instrument has more than a few character marks, and requires more care from a violin maker, be sure to visit our friendly team of professionally trained luthiers in our on-site Makers Studio.
“When will my order ship?”
As soon as possible! We aim to dispatch all orders in a timely fashion, and you’ll be kept up to date every step of the way. If you’ve ordered a Pre-Order Item, our friendly warehouse team will be sure to keep you updated.
“I have items on pre-order or back-order, what does this mean?”
Items on back-order can take a little longer to come from our overseas suppliers to us. We’ll keep you updated and you’re always welcome to substitute for another product. During the coronavirus pandemic, please be patient with our overseas manufacturing partners as their shipments are taking longer than usual to arrive to Australia.
“Is a fiddle and a violin the same thing?”
A fiddle and a violin are the same four-string instrument, played with a bow, plucked or strummed. They look the same - the difference comes down to what genre of music is played on the instrument, and what you’d like to personally call it! All of our violins are suitable for fiddle-style playing, as well as classical, jazz, rock - you name it!
“Is a viola and a violin the same thing?”
They are actually different. A viola is usually bigger than a violin in the body size and length, and has different strings - A, D, G and C, compared to the violin strings - E, A, D and G. Our friendly team of musicians would be more than happy to demonstrate our range of violins and violas to you so you can hear the differences between these beautiful instruments. Visit us in store or book an online appointment today!
“Where are your instruments made, and are they setup?”
Simply for Strings sells its own specialised brand of instruments as well as a selection from well-known makers around the globe. All of our instruments are fully hand carved and are crafted in Chinese and European workshops. Every instrument is beautifully hand-made using high-quality tone woods to ensure the best result for the player. Every instrument undergoes a professional setup by our team of professional luthiers to ensure excellent tone, projection, and easy playability. The entire Simply for Strings team is dedicated to playing each and every instrument post setup to find one that suits your needs. Further information is available here.
“Do you send out trial instruments and bows?”
Yes we do! It’s our pleasure to help you find the instrument and/or bow that suits you best. Return freight charges are covered by the recipient. Further details of our studio trials can be given upon request via email or phone.
“Do you offer an instrument and bow repairs service?”
Whether it’s a service, a repair, or there’s been some damage to your instrument (don’t worry, we’ve been there too), we offer professional consultations on all stringed instruments. After years of careful and considered planning, we are thrilled to have our own onsite luthiers studio - allowing us to bring an incredible wealth of knowledge and skill to our customers within the walls of our Old Church.
For small modifications such as re-stringing, tuning, cleaning and other basic maintenance or servicing, visit our blog for our top tips, or bring it in-store so our knowledgeable and friendly staff can assist you. Need something else? We understand these things happen and we'll be able to provide you with a quote once we've looked over your instrument. For more extensive damages and repairs such as new bridge carvings, sound-post adjustments, fingerboard modifications, seam re-glues and crack restorations, our workshop team will be able to assess and talk you through what may need doing. Not sure what's needed? That's where we come in! If you're unsure of what repairs your instrument might need, just visit us during opening hours and we'll take care of the rest. here.
“Can you change my instrument’s strings for me?”
We offer a free string instalment with any strings purchased from Simply for Strings. Fitting generally takes between 5-10 minutes and can usually be done on the spot at time of purchase by one of our friendly staff.
“Do you sell guitars and their accessories?”
Simply for Strings specialises in violins, violas, celli and double basses. We’d recommend visiting our colleagues at the number of excellent nearby guitar stores, located in Paddington and Red Hill.
“Can I add to my order?”
Of course you can! (Just as long as it hasn’t already been carefully placed in the hands of our couriers.) Just get in touch with our friendly team on 1300 739 293, and we’ll take care of the rest.
“Where is my parcel?”
When your order is dispatched, you’ll receive tracking advice immediately. If there is a glitch in the system, just get in touch and we’ll get it to you in a jiffy! Bulky or valuable items often require signatures – be sure someone is home to sign for your new goodies!
We offer a complimentary three month service with the purchase of any new instrument from Simply for Strings. We generally require the instrument for 1 business day, so it’s best to bring it in after your weekly lesson or performance.
“Do you ship internationally?”
International shipping is available to selected countries. Please proceed to checkout to receive a freight quote. Alternatively, feel free to submit your order with a query and we will contact you to arrange appropriate shipping. You may cancel your order at any time prior to processing.
“Do you ship internationally?”
We do not ship internationally. Please contact us for further details via phone (07 3368 3666) or email.
We ship Australia and New Zealand wide. Please contact us for further details.
We ship Australia and New Zealand wide. Please contact us for further details.
“Where are your instruments made, and are they setup?”
Simply for Strings sells its own specialised brand of instruments as well as a selection from well-known makers around the globe. All of our instruments are fully hand carved and are crafted in Chinese and European workshops. Every instrument is beautifully hand-made using high-quality tone woods to ensure the best result for the player. Every instrument undergoes a professional setup by our team of professional luthiers to ensure excellent tone, projection, and easy playability. The entire Simply for Strings team is dedicated to playing each and every instrument post setup to find one that suits your needs. Further information is available here.
“Do you send out instruments and bows on teacher approval?”
Yes we do. Return freight charges are covered by the recipient. Further details of our approval policy can be given upon request via email or phone.
“Do you offer an instrument and bow repairs service?”
Simply for Strings' team of full-time professional luthiers offers high-quality repair work at competitive prices. We assess and quote your repair in-store before it is sent to one of our luthiers. Servicing and repairs can take up to 7 business days to be completed. Our expert team will be able to advise you of a time-frame upon instrument inspection. Learn more about our instrument repairs and servicing here .
“Can you change my instrument’s strings for me?”
We offer a free string instalment with any strings purchased from Simply for Strings. Fitting generally takes between 5-10 minutes and can usually be done on the spot at time of purchase by one of our friendly staff.
“Do you sell guitars and their accessories?”
Simply for Strings specialises in violins, violas, celli and double basses. There is a number of excellent guitar stores nearby, located in Paddington and Red Hill.
“Can I add to my internet order?”
To ensure that our customers remain satisfied, we ship with a range of couriers. We try to keep the cost of our product as low as possible and as we don’t incorporate shipping fees into our items, we do require a small freight charge. Orders over $99 ship for free in Australia, terms and conditions apply.
“Where is my parcel?”
When your parcel is dispatch, a tracking number will be sent to you. If you happen to not receive tracking advice, feel free to email or phone and we can provide you with one. Bulky or valuable items require signatures – be sure that someone is home to sign for your new goodies!
“How long does my free six month service take?”
We offer a complimentary six month service with the purchase of any new instrument from Simply for Strings. We generally require the instrument for 1 business day, so it’s best to bring it in after your weekly lesson or performance.
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