Jan Hampton Violins

03/17/2026

Hi All! Just a heads up we will be closed for Easter Holiday April 7 - 11. Please plan ahead if you need repairs/rental assistance. Thank you! 804-231-7463

03/03/2026

Hey All, as you can see we are not on FB often (this platform is really really bad! Why is anyone still here????) But anyway, Chris' opinions aside - we are going to try to do much more with our socials moving forward, but we need to roll over to a new page as we have encountered an unfortunate roadblock with the ownership of this original Jan Hampton Violins FB page. So, if you are active here and would like to follow us moving forward (before we deactivate this page) - please head on over to our NEW page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557585357938 and follow us there! Once we get this all cleaned up we will be ready to rock! Please stay safe out there and be excellent to one another.

Your trusted source for violin, viola, cello, and bass sales and rentals in Richmond, VA since 1990.

02/26/2026

3 days left to enter this raffle for your chance to win a night at The Jefferson, plus breakfast for 2!

The raffle pull will occur on February 28th!

All proceeds support the Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra. Thank you for those you are playing and best of luck!

‼️ Enter with the link below ‼️
https://go.rallyup.com/rpo-jeffersonhotel-raffle

06/20/2025

Community Update: The Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra needs your kind support now more than ever. If you are able - please follow the link to donate today to keep our cherished local community orchestra playing for another season. Please be sure to click on the image to the right of the test (see screenshot below). More information on how to donate here: https://www.richmondphilharmonic.org/donate

06/10/2025

The Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra needs your help! We are in need of community support for our beloved local community orchestra as it negotiates dire financial times. Please visit the RPO website https://www.richmondphilharmonic.org/ and donate today if you can! We don't want to see this orchestra disappear! Our own Chris Chorney will be performing with the orchestra this Sunday June 15th at 4pm at the Virginia War Memorial

06/07/2025

https://www.janhamptonviolins.com/classes-for-strings-violin-class-viola-class-cello-class-bass-class-group-music-lessons.htm

Learn to play a stringed instrument, care and maintenance of stringed instruments, violin class, cello class, bass class, viola class

06/05/2025

We had some questions recently about what a sound post crack is. Here is an example of a sound post crack on the back of a violin. Its a hairline crack in the wood pannel that is caused by excessive pressure on the soundpost - a wood dowel that conncets the top panel to the back panel of the instrument. when there is too much pressure on the post, a crack can form on the top or back of the instrument. This is, unfortunately, the end of the instrument's life as it is a very expensive repair to make. The repair requires the top of the instrument to be removed, the crack glued and patched with cleats, and then reassembled. The repair cost would usually exceed the cost value of the student level instrument. This is why a deductible is charged for a rental with this type of damage, since we need to replace the whole instrument. The best way to avoid this damage is to keep your violin properly stored in a climate controlled environment with stable humidity control - either using a Boveda humidifying pack or similar - and to never put pressure on your violin top or back - even if it is in its case, pressure to the case can impact the instrument. And definitely never drop your instrument! Accidents do happen - but extra care for your instrument can go a long way to avoiding such damage. If you need help with repairs - we are here to help! 804-231-7463

03/01/2025

Bridgey says "Have a great weekend everyone!". Keep your bridge's back straight! No slouchy bridges please.

02/12/2025

New product alert: We are pleased to be bringing in Boveda musical instrument products very soon! Keep your instrument humidity level under control!

01/23/2025

Caspari Pegs....sigh. If you have them on your instrument - just don't. Lolll

01/16/2025

Oh no! What do we say every time? What are you supposed to do to your bow AFTER you are done playing for the day and about to put your bow back in its case?

Loosen your bow hair!
Loosen your bow hair!
Loosen your bow hair!

You DO NOT want your bow to look like this! Even when you are playing! It's waaaaaayyyyyy TOO TIGHT!

See the pictures to compare - the bow that is actually bending the other way (convex) is way too tight. Your bow should look nice a curved (concave) when you tighten it! Remember, only a pencil width from the hair to the bow stick!