Professional Testimonials

 (in alphabetical order)

"I have been very impressed with the quality of instruments and service from First Strings. They are the only specialised string store in Australia run by active, performing musicians. I take great comfort in knowing that First Strings instruments are tailored and supplied by musicians who are acutely aware of what is required to maximise the potential of all students at different stages of their development."  

"First Strings have now become the only string store I deal with. Their price and quality far surpass any other string store in Australia. Their staff are always kind, knowledgeable and helpful. I recommend First Strings instruments to all of my students and other teachers/professional performers."  

"I've been dealing with First Strings since the beginning of 2022, and have been very impressed with this business from the outset. Queries have been answered quickly and clearly, and purchases of instruments for my students have been straightforward and hassle-free. That's important, because parents need information without technical jargon. But as a performer, it’s tremendously reassuring for me to know that the people behind the business have a wealth of deep practical experience... they can recommend instruments or accessories because they've actually used them in professional situations. I've found that the quality of these student outfits is far higher than stock available elsewhere, so the prices represent excellent value for money. And the resulting increased tonal quality is really exciting and motivating for students! I have no hesitation in recommending anyone in search of a great instrument to come directly to First Strings. What has been so refreshing is to deal with a business that doesn't badmouth competition. Instead, First Strings just provide excellent service and instruments."

"I was introduced to First Strings through Dalseno Strings in Nerang, of which I’ve been a regular customer for a couple of years. I teach both curriculum and instrumental music in a semi-rural school and was looking for affordable violins for my students. When I started at the school, a number of students were using older or cheap instruments which quite frankly sounded awful.  

I was introduced to the First Strings range and was immediately astonished that their violins sounded nicer than my significantly more expensive instruments. I was so impressed – even the base model Overture has a well-rounded tone, excellent build quality and feels great to play. I’ve got most of my string students using First String violins now, and I regularly get comments from parents on how much more the students are choosing to practice at home – simply because the instruments really inspire confidence."  

"Finding an instrument for an aspiring professional can be a difficult and arduous task. With a $20,000 budget, I searched around Sydney for a violin for my younger sibling (who is a Violin Performance major at the Sydney Conservatorium). We decided to purchase a violin from First Strings. They offered us a better sounding violin, at a quarter of our budget! Undoubtedly these are the best value-for-money instruments I have come across." 

"First Strings has been wonderful to work with. As the team are professional musicians and teachers themselves, they can support their clients with practical, helpful advice.

"I will never buy my strings elsewhere again. The strings I use weren’t on their website. After a quick email, I was informed they could get them in. Within a few days of my initial contact, they were in my hands. Using the educators discount, 3 sets of strings cost me a little bit more than the ONE set at another shop. I don’t know how they do it!"

"First Strings has been extremely helpful in providing many orders as I have worked across multiple schools on the Gold Coast. During this time, a professional relationship has been developed and maintained which has provided me with assurance of quality and professional advice. My recommendation is always for First Strings based on this trust that has been established over the years." 

"As an Instrumental Music Teacher in Outback Queensland, I have a regular need for affordable instruments that are able to withstand the tests of students and extreme weathers. Having used First Strings instruments over the last year, I have found the instruments and accessories to be of excellent quality - holding tune, nice tone, and they literally bounce back from the drops! Sophia has been an absolute gem to work with, demonstrating excellent communication skills, and the instruments and accessories arrive surprisingly fast."

"I am impressed by the service provided by First Strings. The prices are reliably competitive and the service is prompt so I tend to shop there for strings and accessories. They are friendly and understand the needs of professional players as well as students. I have appreciated the opportunity to get advice from their staff regarding the product range."

"First Strings is a professional business with quality products and services. They are prompt in their order and delivery services, and it is wonderful to know that we can obtain high quality string products locally! A much-needed business for strings students and professionals!" 

"I have no hesitation in recommending First Strings for all string needs from instruments to repairs and repertoire. David and his team are prompt in their service and offer excellent advice regarding any purchases. They go ‘the extra mile’ in ensuring customers are fully and honestly informed regarding their requests, ensuring requests match the needs of their customers. It is wonderful to have a local business that is swift to respond with such excellent care."

"As an Education Queensland school with a large instrumental music program, we deal with countless suppliers when purchasing instruments small and large. Recently, we purchased some instruments through First Strings and were not only overwhelmed with the quality of instruments and the price, but the direct, informative, and personable service they provided. They are clearly a company interested and invested in the future of music education in our Queensland schools." 

"It's almost too good to be true! The quality of these violins and bows surpasses that of many significantly higher-priced instruments. Thank you for providing this much needed service, we are a glowing review!" 

"I cannot speak highly enough of David and the team at First Strings. I love the selection of instruments they sell and can attest to their high level of customer service and professionalism. They go above and beyond! I have been purchasing happily from them in the last six years and are planning to continue to do so for many more." 

"I've seen quite a few cellos that have come from First Strings and I couldn’t be happier with the quality. The cellos sound great and the set-up is really top-notch. This means my students are not fighting to play their instruments, but instead can enjoy each moment of the learning process. I’d recommend First Strings cellos without hesitation."

"We have been very impressed with all our orders from First Strings. As a company, they have been responsive, knowledgeable and friendly to work with. The quality and price of their stock have been competitive. The overall tone and overall finish that the ‘Sonore’ string range produces for an entry-level string instrument is also impressive. I cannot recommend First Strings highly enough and we are thrilled that our students have access to such fine beginner instruments as they start their musical journey." 

"David Dalseno and First Strings have provided Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School an opportunity to expand our multiple string programs through the purchase of high-quality, budget-friendly resources and instruments. This came with very personal and friendly service. Since Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar is located in northern NSW, this was a refreshing relationship to establish. To be connected to the string community with such a service and partnership, we are excited for the future with First Strings." 

"The team at First Strings have always exceeded my expectation in customer service. Emmanuel College have been ordering from David and his team for eight years and I have always been impressed with the fast communication and swift delivery of goods. They have extensive knowledge and experience with string instruments whether the advice is for a new instrument purchase, or to repair a broken instrument."