At Fiddlershop, we believe finding the right instrument/bow takes time and care. That’s why we offer an In-Home Trial Program — so you can explore your options comfortably and confidently, in your own space.
Professionally Set Up, Carefully Packed
Every instrument and bow we send is fully set up, tuned, and play-tested by our team of professional luthiers. We package your items with the utmost care to ensure they arrive in perfect condition, ready to play the moment you open the case.
Stress-Free Shipping & Returns
We make shipping simple. Your trial order is fully insured for its journey to you. When it’s time to return what you don’t keep, we provide a prepaid return label — no extra cost, no hassle. We kindly ask that you repackage the items securely, using the same protective materials they arrived with, to avoid any damage on the way back.
Try for 10 Days — No Pressure
Once your instrument/bow arrives, you’ll have up to 10 days to test it out. Take your time to play, compare, and decide what feels and sounds right for you. If you need a little more time, just reach out — we’re happy to help arrange an extension. We only charge you for the items you choose to keep. Once your decision is made, we’ll send you a final invoice for any purchases.
Trial Fees
We accept trials on instruments retailing over $1000, and bows over $200.
| Instrument | 1 Trial | 2 Trials |
|---|---|---|
| Violin/viola | $39 | $59 |
| Cello | $199 | - |
| Double bass | $399 | - |
| Bow | $20 | $30 |
*Trials with a combined value over $5000 or more, may be subject to additional fees
Terms & Conditions
Fiddlershop offers an In-Home Trial program to allow customers to evaluate products before finalizing their purchase. Products sent as part of this program are provided on a deferred-billing basis. You will only be charged for items you choose to keep—or for any items not returned to Fiddlershop by the specified return date.
Each trial includes a 10-day evaluation period, with additional time built in for shipping to and from Fiddlershop. The exact return deadline will be clearly communicated at the start of the trial. If needed, modest extensions may be granted, but only if requested before the return deadline via phone or email.
Care & Condition of Trial Products: All trial items must be handled with care. You are responsible for any damage incurred during the trial period, including scratches, dents, cracks, or other visible signs of misuse. Depending on the extent of the damage, Fiddlershop may charge for repairs, depreciation in value, or full replacement of the item.
Payment Authorization & Final Sale: A valid credit card is required before shipping any trial products. This serves as a payment authorization—similar to a hotel or rental car reservation—and ensures that Fiddlershop may charge for any unreturned, damaged, or purchased items. Once a product is purchased, a final invoice and documentation will be provided via email.
Return Policy & Responsibility: If a customer fails to return trial items after the trial end date, or fails to respond to Fiddlershop’s attempts to communicate, Fiddlershop reserves the right to charge the authorized credit card for the full value of the unreturned products. This policy ensures accountability and helps us serve all customers fairly and efficiently.
Product Abandonment & Legal Notice: Failure to pay for, return, or arrange redelivery of trial products may be considered theft of leased personal property under Section 812.155, Florida Statutes. This applies in cases of willful refusal to return items, lack of communication, or attempts to avoid payment. Fiddlershop reserves the right to pursue all available legal remedies, including collections and legal action, to recover the value of unreturned merchandise.