Is it at a level suitable for recitals and concerts?
We often receive inquiries from customers who are active as instructors or performers:
“I’d like to choose one violin for myself and another, higher-grade violin for one of my students. Do you have any used string instruments that will last a long time and have a tone suitable not only for lessons but also for recitals and concerts?”
The Reason Behind the Increase in Visits from Teachers and Performers
Thanks to your support, in recent years we’ve been fortunate to welcome many teachers and performers to the TCGAKKI string instrument floor every day. As a specialty string instrument store, we are truly grateful to be able to build long-lasting relationships with these teachers who are actively engaged in their work every day.
Actually, the other day, I took the plunge and asked some teachers who were considering purchasing an instrument, “What do you find appealing about our store, which specializes in pre-owned instruments?” They replied: “I already have a main instrument I use, but when I have a sudden outdoor performance or my main instrument isn’t in the best condition, I look for a reliable ‘backup’ string instrument. This store offers reasonable and fair prices, has a bright and welcoming atmosphere, and is close to the station—so I always find myself wanting to stop by on a whim.”We were truly grateful to receive such kind words. Last year, we also had several delightful encounters with teachers who first learned about our shop through referrals from fellow teachers or word of mouth and then actually came to visit us.
Given our location in Shinjuku (Shin-Okubo), we welcome a diverse range of customers. However, it seems that teachers and professional musicians tend to use our shop not so much as a place to find their primary instrument, but rather as a potential source for a “backup” string instrument—one of a high enough quality to be used confidently at recitals and concerts. Pre-owned instruments are, so to speak, “ready-to-work employees”—they aren’t like new hires, where you don’t know if they’ll perform well until you try them. Isn’t that the true appeal of pre-owned string instruments?Do you know any instructors or performers who actively use New instruments? I believe that, just like with people, the connection with an instrument is a matter of fate. We always have over 200 high-quality string instruments in stock—all of which are ready to shine at your students’ recitals and concerts. Every instrument is one-of-a-kind, so you’re sure to find one you love. We’ll continue to focus on building a store and curating a selection of “ready-to-use” instruments that can support each and every one of our customers.
The Advantages of TCGAKKI: Free from the Unwritten Rules and Restrictions of a “New Instrument” Store
“I see new items marked down ☆% off the list price, but what about the prices of used string instruments?
It seems you sell vintage instruments—which look like they’d be expensive at other stores—at quite affordable prices. Why is that?”
There’s a specific reason why there’s a price difference between major specialty stores that sell new instruments and those that specialize in used ones.
Actually, Modern and Vintage Instruments Aren’t Expensive
Major specialty stores that sell new instruments face constraints on price reductions and retail prices due to purchase costs from manufacturers and price competition with other stores.New instruments, crafted from high-quality wood and featuring upgraded model numbers, likely produce better tone as their price increases. However, since the “wood” has only recently become an “instrument,” it takes a certain amount of time and playing to develop the deep, rich sound characteristic of stringed instruments.
In that regard, our store—which specializes in used instruments—sets prices based on a fair assessment of each instrument’s condition, free from competition or external pressures.Even for the same model, the selling price is unique to each instrument, based on its condition. The tone of these string instruments also differs—in a positive way—from that of New instruments, which lack the depth that comes with experience.
In the world of historic string instruments, when we Japanese hear terms like “modern violin,” “antique violin,” “Italian-made,” or “French-made,” we tend to associate them with particularly high-end quality. For models accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by an overseas appraisal agency, prices exceeding 1 million yen are commonplace.However, there are also many antique instruments on the market that do not come with certificates of authenticity, and even if they are not models by famous makers, there are numerous string instruments on the used market that can be considered “masterpieces.”
At TCGAKKI, based on our assessment of the instrument’s grain, the discoloration of the varnish, and the label, we sell a large number of string instruments—both modern and antique—that have been in existence for a considerable number of years as “labeled items” without certificates of authenticity.
Personally, I find it a bit sad to judge the entire value of a stringed instrument based solely on the name of a famous luthier or the rarity of its label. While we cannot strictly guarantee the authenticity of some of the labels on the items we carry, there seems to be a certain “dream” embodied in an old stringed instrument that has traveled across time from a distant foreign land to reach my hands today.If you can find a modern or antique instrument—whether new or vintage—that combines a satisfying sound and appearance within a budget you’re comfortable with, wouldn’t that make it far more valuable than the authenticity of its label? Don’t let this remain just a dream—please do stop by our store. In fact, the prices aren’t so “high” that you’d have to give up on the idea. You’re sure to find an antique violin within your price range at TCGAKKI.
Can’t find a shop that will customize the setup to your preferences?
“I’ve bought a string instrument, but is there a shop where I can get maintenance done without any hassle?”
“As I’ve continued taking lessons and performing, I’ve come to understand the tone I prefer. I don’t want to just leave everything up to repair and adjustment professionals or workshops—I want to build a long-term relationship with a shop that will thoroughly address my specific requests.”
Reliable adjustment techniques by skilled craftsmen
Even after purchasing an instrument, string instruments such as violins can experience changes or adverse effects on their condition and tone due to environmental factors, temperature and humidity, or extreme temperature fluctuations.
At our shop, we offer comprehensive after-sales service, including repairs and adjustments for instruments and bows.
We provide a one-year warranty for your peace of mind after purchase.While some adjustments may incur a fee depending on the work required, please feel free to contact us regarding the replacement of wear-and-tear parts, minor maintenance, or if you notice that your instrument isn’t resonating as well as usual while playing.
We strive every day to respond with sincerity and dedication to even the most detailed adjustment requests—ones you might find difficult to discuss at other stores—after thoroughly assessing the condition of your instrument. Our skilled craftsmen will handle all repairs and adjustments to ensure you can always use your instrument with confidence, knowing it’s in the best possible condition.
Afterword
Have you ever had the experience of thinking, “I always thought my regular spot was the best, but when I tried somewhere new, I got hooked”? Please muster a little courage and come visit TCGAKKI. As a store specializing in pre-owned string instruments, you’re sure to find rare models that are hard to come by on the market—or that one instrument you’d given up hope of finding. Even if you have extensive experience teaching or performing, buying from a new music store for the first time can be nerve-wracking.If there’s an instrument that catches your eye, please feel free to ask us anything—whether in-store, by phone, or via email. That single email or phone call is sure to lead to joy down the road. For those with busy schedules, we can also make house calls. We sincerely look forward to your inquiries and visits.