Paul Dulude-New England Violins, Inc.

Came in to get my bow grip replaced and get an estimate for replacing my violin bridge. Paul took his time looking over both bow and violin, asked if I had time to stay, and I said yes. He told me my bridge seemed misplaced; he pulled out his tape measure and compass to measure quite a few different parts of my instrument. My bridge was too wide, my soundpost and bass bar weren't aligned properly, my tailpiece was too long, and my fingerboard was scooped on the E string side. He asked, "Is it hard to push down on the E string?" I responded, "How did you know!" He told me he could fix these issues if I wanted and the instrument would probably sound richer. If he fixed them and I didn't like the sound, he could move it back exactly how it was. Paul asked me about every detail before making changes. Whole thing, including bow repairs and rehair, new tailpiece and fine tuner, new and aligned bridge and soundpost, restained fingerboard and planing, was ~$550, paid upon pickup a week later. When I arrived for pickup, he explained to me some historical facts about different fingerboard lengths, and I asked if he was familiar with my violin maker. He said not more than basic facts, pulled out a book with all luthiers through time, and sure enough there was my violin maker! My violin sounds significantly richer and actually rings now, which I didn't think possible. It is certainly worth more than its original price plus repairs cost. He asked me to play before I left to make sure I liked it, told me to come back anytime if I wanted to revert. The tailpiece Paul chose matches my pegs better than my old one, not to mention it's the proper size. I came in for a bow grip and left with a completely new higher class violin!

Paul is knowledgeable and engaging, he helped me find just the right 7/8 cello to fit my small hands! He set me up with a very fine instrument at a fair price and made sure I was happy with the set up before I left. His shop outshines others in the area.

What a beautiful shop! When I lived and taught Violin in the Boston area for many years, I referred adult and younger students to Paul, the owner. They loved going there on a consistent basis. Whether they needed to improve their own Violin with new strings or adjustments, or purchase a new Violin or Bow, Paul was always very patient! My highest recommendation!

I originally came in just to buy a viola mute. Instead, I was treated to a 45 minute adventure in improving my technique, and got to see and try a large exhibit of violas of wildly different shapes and sizes, led by Paul himself. I've been playing for about 4 years, and he fixed my posture and shifting in approximately 15 minutes. I left the store with the mute, a shoulder rest, and a wealth of new knowledge on everything relating to violas. Paul is an amazing and friendly person, and this store is hands-down the best store on string instruments that I've had the pleasure of experiencing.

I highly recommend Paul whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or an advanced musician. I say this from the eight years I’ve known Paul - he has a warm and joyful personality and cares about his customers. He will patiently help you select the instrument that suits your skill level and your needs. Due to harsh New England winters and accidents I had to go to Paul multiple times to get my instrument fixed cracks, chips, issue with the soundpost, etc. - the fact that my cello looks beautiful and is still in great condition as when I first bought it from Paul speaks to his deep understanding of string instruments and skilled handwork. In addition, I’ve taken lessons from him and he gave me great advices in which I improved my bowing, musicality, tonality, and bring out the best possible sounds from my cello. If you are looking for someone who you can trust your instrument with or looking to buy one that you will fall in love with, New England Violins is the place to go.

I went to New England Violins to inquire about selling a violin. The owner could not have been nicer, more quick to respond, and above all, totally honest. He gave me a great price and I learned a lot about violins from our chat. I could not recommend more.

My daughter needed a shoulder rest for her viola. The owner, Paul, was very courteous and knowledgeable. He helped my daughter pick the best shoulder rest for her.

This was my 1st visit to New England Violins, and I was thrilled! I used to be an accomplished violinist but stopped at least 30 years ago. Having recently retired, I moved from NJ and wanted to try playing again. I have a valuable instrument and needed a reputable person to repair it. I was nervous and concerned about whether I would be over charged or pressured into unnecessary repairs. Also, I was worried that I would feel embarrassed and intimidated since I played so poorly. Paul was affable and down to earth, so I immediately felt comfortable . He Is passionate about his work and approaches it analytically. He diagnosed the issues and formulated a plan that included step wise options, which allowed me to decide if I wanted everything repaired at once, or just do the basics first. I never felt pressured to do more than it needed, and prices were very fair. When the work was finished, I couldn’t believe how amazing it sounded. He truly is gifted in terms of adjusting the soundpost , and fixed my fingerboard and bridge so that the sound was full and clear but required way less effort to produce it. I later told Paul about my chronic neck/shoulder issues. He let me try out several chinrests and shoulderpads, which made a huge difference. The price again was very reasonable, and he never pushed me to purchase them. Altogether I spent several hours in his shop, and did not feel rushed. I enjoyed talking to him and learned from his experiences. It also helps that he is a professional violist so can check out the sound by playing it himself. I highly recommend this lovely place if you need help getting your instrument to sound it’s best. Laura Treppel

In search of a new viola my junior year of High School, with a quality sound and price for college auditions, I went to numerous shops around the Albany area. After months of searching for an instrument suiting my tastes, at an affordable price I stumbled upon Dulude's shop. Though it was a far drive to Massachusetts, his selection of instruments far surpassed any shop that I'd been to before. Such a vast selection of rich sounding instruments, many at great prices. After spending a day at the store I came home with a viola that was just right for me, and my wallet! I felt so welcomed and comfortable trying various instruments for hours. I would not think twice before deciding where to go in search of any instrument needs in the future. New England Violins has everything a string player could need or want. I look forward to visiting again and I have and would highly recommend this shop to anyone in search of a fine string instrument!

For a few years I had been thinking of trying to locate a better instrument than my current violin. I went to Paul's shop once, tried several instruments, but found none that were of the tone quality I was searching for--and still in my price range. I returned about a year later, and he introduced me to the instrument maker, Pio Montanari of Genova, Italy--and I played on a violin and a viola made by him--in the twenty-first century. Even without the period of playing-in and aging, so important to an instrument's voice, I could tell these were both excellent instruments, the viola especially so. There was an evenness in the quality of sound produced across all four strings. In particular, I was impressed by the clarity of the sound of the notes produced--as though the harmonics within each note were balanced and speaking clearly. I bought them both--at extremely fair prices. I have not been back to have the instruments adjusted, though it may be time now, but I have it on good authority from an excellent violist that Paul is a master at setting up and adjusting instruments--a fine, delicate, and not too often talked about art. If you are in the market for a good instrument, definitely take yourself over to New England Violins on Mass Ave. The shop is beautifully laid out--the perfect place to try out several instruments. Paul offers instruments at many different price levels, but he has a fine ear and a respect for stringed instruments and string players alike, and he doesn't carry something that falls below the mark of being a sound instrument. You'll enjoy your experience of shopping here.