98 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Music and music education are of great importance in our area. It can often be difficult to find high-quality providers for professional, amateur and music students. Formally known by another name, Southern String Supply has continued to provide one-of-a-kind service and repairs to the Lowcountry area since its opening in 1999. Founded by former U.S. Army musician Chris Bluemel, this company has grown to be one of the most premier instrument repair shops in the country. Bluemel describes his business as a “high end professional repair service.” As the owner, He wants customers to know that there are no other instrument repair shops like his in the state and that they are at the top of their craft. He takes all instrument repair seriously and treats instruments like the treasures they are. Specializing in professional player repairs, Southern String Supply repairs everything from woodwinds and brass to string instruments such as guitars. The company strives to provide the best quality results and bring instruments and players up to their highest standard. The company’s desire is to support string educators in the area as well. With a focus on string instruments, they have created strong bonds with retailers and pride themselves on being able to address warranty issues in-store. Coupled with their unique craftsmanship, they also sell instruments of all kinds. If you are looking for a quality used instrument, they are willing to look in their warehouse to see if they can get you a quality instrument at a great price. Buying an instrument with this organization ensures the best quality at a fair price because they are “technicians, not salesmen.” Their website often shows the variety of instruments that they have for sale along with various deals. Accessories for instruments are sold at the location as well along with cases and maintenance supplies. They boast that they have the best assortment of ukuleles in the Lowcountry. Along with sales and repairs, they also offer string instrument rentals for schools in the Lowcountry area. Instrument rentals include the following: violin, viola, cello, and string bass. The prices for lease are affordable and offer benefits like no-cost swapping when the student needs to move to the next size. All of the instruments are repaired and maintained by their expert technicians so they are the top of the line quality-wise. When the student is ready to purchase, Southern String Supply also offers a 20% discount for leaseholders. While they serve primarily the Tri-County area, they have also extended their services into Beaufort. Southern String Supply is your one-stop shop for custom, quality string repairs and purchases in the state. For more information, please visit TheInstrumentDoc.com or call 843-276-9239. Chris Bluemel discusses bow rehair technique with CSO concertmaster Yuriy Bekker. Master of Their Craft Southern String Supply BY CARI LAWSON Charleston Women in the Arts
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