Why are you doing this? Aren’t you a traditional violin shop?

Yes, we are a very traditional violin shop. However, this is something that we have been working towards for a long time. A short list of reasons we want to do this include:

1. For violin, viola, cello, and upright bass players there are simply NO places to go to and try out electric bowed instruments, effect pedals, and amps without being surrounded by guitars and drums. We wanted to create a “safe space” for those who want to try this “electric violin thing” out, with a room full of violin-family approved gear, and not feel bothered or bashful. The Electric Loft is for you to learn what playing an electric violin feels and sounds like for yourself. Also, the rooms where The Electric Loft are located were purpose built for this years ago - we just finally got around to doing it!

2. We want everybody to have fun making music in any and every way that speaks to them. We want to help the emerging string player find that special edge in their musical toolbox to succeed. We know that probably 80 -90% of our professional customers here in Nashville play “plugged in”, have some sort of pickup on their instrument, and/or they play into a microphone on a pretty regular basis. We want to help these musicians with the tools they need on the job.

3. We want to learn about this stuff too! Being “classically trained” we want to know what all the new tools are out there for us (and for other string players) that will help us grow musically, get more gigs, and to simply challenge us as musicians and human beings. This is all very cool and fun and something that we wanted to do for a very long time.

What is your “expertise” or experience with electric violins, pedals, and amps? How can you help me?

Honestly, we have a lot to learn, we are learning constantly, and we are excited about that! There are very, very few places to go to learn about electric violins other than the internet - which has a LOT of great videos and websites with a LOT of useful information. Everyone has to start somewhere! We would recommend that you should see us more as a playground than as a school. Every item is out and available to try for yourself.

How are your things priced vs. what I see on the internet?

Our intention is to match or beat anything that is for sale on the internet. With that said, there are a few simple conditions: It must be in our shop and currently in stock, what you see on the internet must be “regular price” (we might bend this rule from time to time), and the item you see on the internet must be the exact, same, new item. We have already priced many items for less than the internet - feel free to check!

Do you offer shipping?

We intend to be a “destination shop”. We really are not set up to take shipping orders. If we do ship something, it will not be to places outside the United States, it will not be with any special shipping instructions, it will be only things we have on hand, and it will mostly likely be very awkward. Please, come in and purchase in-house! There are other places that do that kind of thing very well.

Really? You do not offer shipping? Don’t you want my business?

Yes, we want your business - so please come and see us! There is no appointment needed, we are open weekdays from 10:00 to 6:00 and Saturdays from 10:00 to 4:00, and we are located on the airport side of Nashville, Tennessee (not far from the airport at all). Perhaps someday this might change, but we really do like working with musicians face-to-face.

Can I bring my own electric violin to try out the amps and effects?

Yes, please do! Guitar players and other instruments are welcome as well.

Do you offer the same trade-in/trade-up on electric instruments as you do your regular instruments?

Sorry, we do not.

Do you have any warrantees on pedals, amps, and such?

Keeping it simple: Just what the maker of the item offers, that is the “manufacturer’s warrantee”. Always register your products with the manufacturer!

What about bows?

We have the full line of carbon fiber bows (Coda, JonPaul, etc.) in every price range as well as many quality traditional bows.

Many of these violins do not have an included case and of those violins that do come with cases they really are not very good. What can I do about that?

We have an entire room full of quality instrument cases if you want or need one. Our policy has always been that if you purchase an instrument with us the case is 20% off. A good case is good insurance!

Can I take an instrument, amp, or pedal home with me on trial?

Sorry, no. You are more than welcome to play everything for as long as you like while visiting us.

How else can you help me?

Remember, we are a full-service violin, viola, cello, and double bass shop. We have many fine (otherwise ordinary) instruments and bows you can try. We have a full line of accessories, strings, cases, etc. We do instrument repairs for all levels of instruments and bows, instrument rentals, six private lesson rooms, a recital hall - we have it all! The Electric Loft is just one part of the fun!