I've been to this shop three times. Once, to have my Caspari pegs repaired - it was done very well by one of the assistants and I was very satisfied.
The second time, I bought an instrument from them. Being new to violins I trusted what the owner told me. Much to my dismay, a relative and a friend (both of whom play professionally) informed me that I grossly ovepaid for the instrument, it wasn't the quality or value charactarized to me by the owner of the shop.
Stupid me, goes BACK some months later for new strings for my overpriced violin. I asked for Dominant strings since I heard they were so good. Again, being a newbie I didn't know to look for color coded thread on the strings. Different string makers use different color/pattern thread. I paid like $60 for the expensive strings and they put El Cheapo $30 strings on instead. Again, I got taken for a ride by this shop.
I will never EVER go back there. Twice they pretty much robbed me and took advantage of my inexperience. I can't trust them. They seem to have no remorse, overcharging people, and giving them crappy accessories while charging them for top-if-the-line products.
Pros: Beautiful instruments and shop
Cons: Can't trust them
more