Resources for Violinists in Taipei
This is a listing of resources for violinists and other musicians here in Taipei.
Violin Shops
- Rocchi Violins (owner: Michael Lin) - Michael’s a great violin dealer, simply because he knows and loves the violin. There are many violin shops around Taipei, but he’s the most sincere, knowledgeable and just downright kind dealer I’ve met so far in Taiwan. 3F, No. 23, Lane 240, Guangfu Road, Taipei. 02 2778 2090. Mondays to Fridays, call to make an appointment. www.rocchiviolins.com
- 琴販子弦樂專門 (Winston Jiang) - investor and dealer, little knowledge about violins (”currently learning”), but he did have some nice instruments (Italian like Luigi Rovatti and Andrea Schudtz, and some solid Chinese violins). 2F, No. 25, Sec. 1, Heping East Rd., Taipei. 02 2321 8891
- Audio329 (329音響) (owner: Mr. Huang) - this is a pretty weird place to find violins as Mr. Huang’s main offering is hi-fi stereo equipment, but he does have a wall of the instruments. Unfortunately, the fiddles are kept uncovered on a shelf in a humid room where an entire wall is glass. Hence, the condition of the instruments is dubious at best. Recommended for passing time only, not purchasing an instrument. No. 9, Lane 162, Tonghua St., Taipei. 02 2736 8523 10am-10pm www.audio329.com
Sheet Music Shops
- Xiao Ya - a great sheet music shop with huge selection, classical only. Imports are pricey. 3F, No. 182-1, Section 1 He-ping East Rd., Taipei. 02 2363 6751. Open Monday to Fridays from 9am to 9pm, Saturdays and Sundays open 2pm to 7pm.
Practice Rooms
- Rocca’s - average facilities, but conveniently located near Guting MRT station. 100NT per hour, 125 NT per hour (with piano). 2F, No. 8, Section 1, He-ping East Rd., Taipei. 02 2363 9813. Open Monday to Fridays from 9:30am till 8:30pm. Saturdays and Sundays are open but hours are less consistent. www.rocca.com.tw
- Player (玩家樂器) - good facilities and open quite late (until at least 10pm). Single rooms are 80NT per hour. Lots of rock bands / drummers practice there, so it’s not as quiet as Rocca’s, but then again you don’t have to worry about disturbing others either. B2, No. 115, Sec. 1 He-ping East Rd., Taipei. 02 2392 3166 www.gtplayer.com.tw