Dorothy Olsen

Review of Summerhays Music Center

I can appreciate the out reach this store does to ...

I can appreciate the out reach this store does to the schools. They may have a broad selection, kind and helpful workers. Truth be told they are one of the few places to rent an instrument ( I myself took my son to rent a band instrument). DO NOT BUY A CELLO HERE! I have taught in this area for decades, and I can easily pin point ALL of the worst instruments that come through my door to Summerhays. They are more expensive, unresponsive, and always flawed with horrid "wolf tones" (look it up and learn before you buy). Rent there if you must, but cut your losses and buy elsewhere. The money you loose will be about equal to their inflated prices. I looked around at their fiddle fair and was shocked at the high violin prices too (for the low quality of instrument). If you are looking for the cheapest prices, go to Charles Liu. They have wonderful student instruments, if you are looking for mid-range try Day Violins. A terrible instrument does NOT appreciate in value. You will be frustrated with the inability to make a clear, rich sound. I promise. Never buy an instrument because it's a pretty color or it has nice patterns in the wood. I shrink and die a little inside when a new student tells me they got their instrument at Summerhays. I do not work for anyone. I am a private teacher and player. And I couldn't sleep in good conscious tonight (cause i got (another!) new adult student who "always wanted to play the cello". This was only his second lesson and he's already dissatisfied with the sound he is getting. HE is doing a great job, it's the instrument fault...that he got at Summerhays...(eyeroll)...). I just had to sound a voice of warning. Just don't do it.