Shar Music

Shar Music began in Ann Arbor in 1962, when Charles Avsharian started importing violin strings and selling them at a discount to students and musicians. That history helps explain why students, teachers, and orchestra musicians remain central to its catalog.

The family business grew from mail order into a specialty retailer with e-commerce, a showroom, repair shop, and warehouse in Michigan.

The selection includes violins, violas, cellos, and basses for beginners and advanced musicians, along with electric instruments and pre-owned or outlet models. Customers can also shop for wooden and carbon-fiber bows, cases, instrument-specific strings, rosin, accessories, and sheet music. Shar also highlights Suzuki Method materials and resources for teachers and schools.

The company offers rentals, in-home trials, and appraisals; appointments are available for trials and consultations involving higher-value instruments and bows. In Ann Arbor, its repair and restoration team handles maintenance, adjustments, and work ranging from bow rehairing to more extensive repairs. The company recommends arranging major restoration projects or visits requiring same-day attention in advance.

The showroom lets visitors compare instruments and speak with staff who have musical backgrounds and with technicians. Musicians farther away can use the mail-in repair service; the shop explains its evaluation and estimate process before carrying out recommended work. Schools can access institutional sales and rental programs coordinated through participating teachers.

The customer-facing location in Ann Arbor brings the showroom and repair shop together. Store hours differ from office hours; appointments are needed for certain fine instruments, trials, and restoration work. Its online store serves customers across the United States and Canada, while the Ann Arbor location lets musicians see instruments, consult specialists, or bring one in for repair.

More than six decades after its start as a family business, Shar Music still brings instruments, learning materials, rentals, and technical service together for the string-playing community. Beginners can browse by level and size, while experienced players can look for specific parts and services. The combination of retail, trials, repairs, and school support makes the store more than an online catalog.