Geo. Heinl & Co. Limited

The staff are great people. Despite other instruments shops, these people don't force you to buy their products. Instead, they help you to find your best match. They also let you have the instrument as long as one month before you even decide if you want the instrument or not and they do that free of charge! They have very nice practice room where you can try different instruments with no rush. They respect their customers in all aspects. I always have had great experiences with Geo Heinl.and I will continue receiving their support for any further services like repairs or buying accessories or even higher level instrument in future!

Bought a $1500 violin from this store. They told me the strings are newly installed and I was expecting the violin is ready to play. The A string and E string are cutting into the bridge. I called, they told me to bring back and they will fix it for me by putting on parchment. So I went back with the violin, they installed it for me in 10 mins and asking me to pay $40. I paid, but wasn't expecting I am responsible for the cost of repair, because if the bridge can't hold the strings, parchment needs to be put on before they put on the new strings right?

I left the store after paying for the parchment work. 3 days later before the concert out of town, the parchment they installed is peeling under the strings, left a lot of crumbs on violin and the strings are cutting into the bridge again. I had to get the parchment removed and replaced so the violin can be played.

After I got back, I called the store and the lady that charge me $40 was left, I called again today and explained to her the issue.and requesting for a refund for the parchment work they did for me because it didn't last for 3 days and I had to have them replaced. She sounds doesn't believe me, ask me to send her evidence that it is peeling. I told her this happened right before the concert, to save evidence was not on my head. The violin has new parchment installed which is different type that installed previously. I said I can take a picture for the replacement.

After sending her picture, she refused to refund me. She said even the with the new parchment I still CANNOT proof the ones they installed for me was peeling and not functioning.

I asked her: why would I replace something I paid for $40 3 days ago if they are functioning and nothing wrong?

She answered: you didn't bring to us and show us when it is peeling and causing issue, we could fix it for u

I said: I was out of town, how can i bring it to you before the concert and have you fix it for me?

She then said: well you could' at least took a picture and proof it.back to the same point, i told her the saving evidence as never on top of my head. I never had any issues with Soundpost and Remeyi that I need to proof it or show evidence. The work you did didn't even last for 3 days, that is the fact.i should be getting refund. She said no, because you can't proof it the previous one is broken.

I don't recommended this place. Very bad customer service and not treating customers like they care. They don't want to take responsibility for their own issue and finding all kinds excuses for not giving refund or at least showing effort to make it right.

Heinl’s is the only shop I will trust my violin and bow with. I’ve purchased bows, cases, instruments, accessories, and had many rehairs, sound post adjustments and repairs done here. Always great work.

These guys are the best of the best, they are my first call whenever I have a concern about my violin or need to buy accessories.

Only good thing to talk about their services.
1. They really try their best to work out things with you.
I live in Milton, I happen to be in downtown Toronto, they really try their best to fix my instrument on the spot and in fact they did on. Every other places I inquired said I need to wait minimum of 3 weeks to just see anybody to tell me it can be fixed.
2. They suggest things to you that makes your instrument sound better. Very Honest and trust-worthy suggestions.
Their suggestion on the material, maker of replacement pieces made the instrument sound so much better than I thought it could sound. Just trust them when they say something will sound good on your instrument. At the same time I asked if I need to buy other things (string etc) and told me honest answer no when they could easily just said yes and make me buy them.
3. Very reasonably priced services.
I didn't fix my instrument for many month because other major places quoted me 4 times more for the repair. I brought it here and quality of the repair is just amazing but cost me so much less.

All in all to say just come here for any issue. Just trust them. This place is the best.

Great information and a great selection of fine instruments. Excellent repair and instrument set ups.

Mr Heinl is one of the kindest, warmest, and most genuine person I've ever met and had the pleasure of knowing. He's helped and supported me so much through my career and my recording and filming projects. I'll always have a special spot in my heart for Mr Heinl and his wonderful staff.

Treated me like they didn't need my business. I booked an appointment to drop my violin bow off for rehairing on a Tues in April 2021. When I dropped it off they confirmed it would be ready Thurs at noon. I asked if that was enough time and they said yes. Thurs morning, they called to say it wouldn't be ready until 3pm (that's when they close). They offered for me to pick it up Friday - I suggested I could come Monday morning (Friday didn't work for me). They confirmed I didn't have to call in advance, that I could come Monday morning. When I arrived I was told I was supposed to come at noon. It wasn't ready. By the way, I dropped my bow off on Tues, prebooked and after almost a week they still didn't have it ready when I arrived. I was very accommodating to give them Friday to do the work they should have done for Thursday. I had to plug the parking meter and wait another 20 minutes. The quality of the rehairing is poor. And I spent $100 with tax. Not a small amount, especially in COVID times. I sent an email to Ric which went unacknowledged and no response. Don't bother with Heinl - any values they had in the past are gone. They don't care about your business. Lots of other places who will care in Toronto. Check them out before you bother with this circus act. I don't know if it was how I was dressed or the value of my bow (it wasn't cheap when I bought it), but apparently I was sized up in a way to have my time disrespected beyond belief, and treated like I just descended on their premises, when in fact, I followed every protocol they listed on their website to prebook, etc. AND was more than accommodating for their lack of organization. They never apologized for the delay, nor did they explain. I doubt the TSO arrived en masse for service suddenly.

It was my first visit since the move from Church Street. It was great to see Ric and staff settled into their new location. I got a little tour and viewed the rooms on the second floor. The piano room has become a double bass repository. Any one looking to buy a bass? This is the place. There's a great collection of violins, too. There is a room designated for trying out a potential instrument, so don't be shy.

Heinl's was recommended to me by the late and great Aaron Rosand when I moved to Toronto years ago looking for a shop that could take care of my old German violin. It is a small excellent place, with phenomenal staff. Very good rehairs! Great new location on Parliament. Highly recommended!

Phenomenal staff and have had wonderful service for over 20 years with this store wonderful quality of instruments and speedy and high caliber repair work and maintain. Gifted Luthiers and talented musicians.

Picked up supplies for my dad many times over the years & was sad to see they were gone (from Chuch St.) but see that they've moved into a new location on Carlton St.near Parliament.

Violin etc specialists. Highly recommended for anyone with a serious interest. Wide selection of instruments bows accessories. And very knowledgeable and courteous staff. Also experienced luthiers for all repair and maintenance needs

Had a bad experience here. I arranged with them to buy an acoustic bass, then went there to pick it up to take it home for a few days to play with it and show it to my teacher. The gentleman who was in charge of the bass department said I can pick it up but when I got there guess what? ! The bass was GONE.
Apparently they had given it to someone else.
The worst thing is that the gentleman did not care!
You just lost a customer!

This is a music enthusiasts dream. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful
Whether you are buying or just looking the staff is very helpful. Not sure about prices because I don't usually go to these stores. They offer music lesson and sell violins, violas, cellos and double basses.

There are new places opening everyday but i would rather buy from George Heinl and his experienced staff

The place for violins, violas, cellos and double basses. Complete service by specialists. Shop goes back a century.