FREDERICK W. OSTER FINE VIOLINS Specializes in instruments of the violin family. The shop carries a large inventory of fine violins, violas, celli and bows. In addition, we carry accessories ranging from strings to cases. Appointments to try instruments in the violin family should be scheduled in advance, so please call before you arrive.

HISTORY
Established in 1974 by proprietor Frederick Oster Fine Violins was originally located in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, and later moved to a historic four-story Philadelphia brownstone built in 1860 in Center City. Today, the area is know as the Pine Street Antique Row district, just a block from the new Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. The building has been home to a prominent judge, a school for the fine and musical arts, and a recording studio. .

PHONE ORDER INFORMATION
We are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m until 5 p.m., Eastern Time. Although we wish everyone could visit the shop, we know the trek isn't always feasible. We do not ship violin family instruments (this includes violins, violas, cellos, basses and their bows). We are happy to ship supplies, accessories and cases. Mail order shipments within Pennsylvania are subject to Pennsylvania sales tax of 6%. Shipments out-of-state are not subject to PA state tax. We ship within the United States via UPS. We use BAX Global for most international shipping. MAIN PHONE NUMBER 215-545-1100

SERVICES & REPAIRS
Vintage Instruments is a center for fine instruments and craftsmanship. Pierre Moisy is the Director of Violin Workshop operations for our shop. Classically trained at the Lycee Jean Baptiste Vuillaume in the art of violin making and restoration, Mr. Moisy has worked in various studios in Europe, including the renowned Maison Bernard Huis in Brussels, Belgium. In addition to his excellent skills in violin restoration, Mr. Moisy is an excellent violin maker. We also have a selection of Mr. Moisy's violins available for trial in the shop, and he is happy to discuss special commissions with clients.

Violin bow specialist Jacob Mitas is now a member of the workshop. Mr. Mitas trained with Michael Yeats, and has worked at shops in New York City. His approach to bow rehairs and repairs is extremely thorough and thoughtful, taking into consideration the musician's style and preferences.

Our workshop also hosts Elizabeth Vander Veer Shaak and Raffaello Stefanini. Ms. Shaak is usually in the shop on Tuesdays for bow rehair and repair appointments. Raffaello Stefanini was trained by Otello Bignami in Bologna, Italy, and has worked in the United States since 1983. "Rafe" is also an accomplished Old-Time fiddler with recordings on the Rounder and County record labels and others. Appointments for Ms. Shaak and Mr. Stefanini should be scheduled by calling them directly.

APPRAISALS
We are happy to provide written appraisals at no cost for any instrument you purchase from us. If you have an instrument you would like us to appraise, please call to make an appointment to bring it in for an examination.

Written insurance appraisals are as follows:
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass: $60; $30 for each additional on the same form
Bows: $35; $20 for each additional on the same form

WINTERIZING
Winter weather poses an array of problems for wooden musical instruments. Cold dry air draws the moisture out of wood and causes seams to separate, braces to loosen, head joints to crack, and so on. Begin winterizing precautions in autumn when the leaves start to turn color and fall off the trees. When not in use instruments should be stored in a case that provides a fairly well sealed and controlled environment. Keep string tension a bit loose, and use a dampit or other form of humidifier to keep the humidity in the instrument's environment above 40%, and preferably closer to 50%. Make sure that the instrument is not stored near a heat vent, radiator, or other heat source. When traveling with the instrument allow it to adjust to changes between outdoor and indoor temperature and humidity gradually before removing from the case, tuning and playing

INSURANCE
Generally, insurers rarely require a written insurance appraisal if the value of an instrument is less than $5,000. We recommend that you check with your home or apartment insurance provider for specific requirements and coverage information. Regardless, we recommend that you keep clear photos and complete descriptions (with serial numbers) of your instruments with your important papers in a fire safe location.

Heritage Insurance Services, Inc., a subsidiary of St. Paul, has developed a specialized musical instruments policy for musicians, collectors, and shops. We have found them to be a knowledgeable and reliable firm. For information, contact Ellis Hershman 1-800-289-8837

SUGGESTIONS REGARDING STOLEN INSTRUMENTS
If your instrument is stolen report it to the police immediately. Even though it can be a pain in the neck, you will need this report should the instrument ever turn up. Be sure to include a full description, as well as a serial number or any other unique identifying information. There is always the possibility that the police will recover your instrument. If the instrument is relatively new, notify the manufacturer since some maintain databases of stolen instrument information. Additionally, send notices to reputable shops and repairers in your area. Stolen violins should be reported to the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers and Maestronet for inclusion in their stolen instruments registry.

DIRECTIONS
We are located in center city Philadelphia, one block from the Broad Street "Avenue of the Arts," a ten minute walk south from the Suburban Station commuter rail and New Jersey transit terminus station, or a $5.00, ten minute cab ride from the 30th Street Amtrak station.

From the South: Follow I-95 North to I-76 West (Schuykill Expressway). Exit at South Street (left lane exit ramp). Turn right onto South Street and cross the bridge. Turn left onto 25th Street and continue for two blocks. Turn right onto Pine Street and continue to the 1500 block. We are on the left (north side).

From the Northeast and New Jersey: Follow I-95 South to the Vine Street Expressway (676W) OR take the NJ Turnpike to exit 4 and follow signs for the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and cross it to the Vine Street Expressway. Exit from the expressway at Broad Street (the exit puts you onto 15th Street, which parallels Broad Street). Pass City Hall on your left and continue straight on 15th Street. Pass Chestnut, Walnut, Sansom, Spruce, and Pine Streets. Then turn right on Lombard Street, one block and turn right on 16th Street, one block and turn right on Pine Street in the 1500 block. We are on the left (north side).

From the Northwest: From the Pennsylvania turnpike exit to I-76 East (Schuylkill Expressway) and follow the highway to the South Street exit. From the top of the ramp turn left onto South Street and cross the bridge. Turn left onto 25th Street and continue on 25th Street for two blocks. Turn right onto Pine Street and continue to the 1500 block. We are on the left (north side) in the middle of the block.

Parking: There is metered on-street parking, a parking lot on the block, and other parking lots nearby (17th and Pine, 15th and South). If you don't mind a bit of a walk, the least expensive parking lot ($6.) is on South Street between 15th and Broad. That's about a 3 block walk.