In the Marketplace

In the Marketplace By Lisa Melillo, photo by Dan Epstein Owner Mo Menzel with her mandolin P Where Fair Play & Quality Are Always in Tune erfect pitch and a flair for the fiddle are wonderful gifts, but to the owner and CEO of Menzel Violins™ in Livingston, what counts most is honesty. "I'm eternally frank," admits Mo Menzel. Integrity was just as important to Menzel's late father, Richard E. Menzel, who launched his own stringed instrument repair business in 1973. Using his background in aerospace quality control, he created innovative repair techniques and tools for stringed instruments. Growing up, Mo Menzel worked alongside her father, surrounded by beautiful music. Following his unexpected passing 10 years ago, she relocated from Houston to Livingston to run the business—and uphold his commitment to integrity, quality work and the highest ethical standards. Menzel Violins has continued to provide expert string instrument sales, repairs and restoration. In fact, the store has New Jersey's largest inventory of quality violins, violas, cellos, double basses and bows, at price points to suit everyone from beginners to virtuosos. A new division, MoFiddles, offers hand-selected fiddles, mandolins and banjos to service traditional musicians—bluegrass, Irish, cajun, and klezmer players, to name a few. Highly trained staff members— all experienced musicians—are on hand to help you find your pitchperfect musical partner, and they'll invite you to stop in and take an instrument for a test-run in the store's beautiful salon. Cast aside worries about possible misrepresentation or inflated prices. Although Menzel cautions that some teachers recommend buying by price rather than by sound—possibly because of "incentive pay" from dealers— Menzel Violins believes in fair play. "Our pricing is always honest, and we never pressure anyone into spending more than we think is appropriate," Menzel says. "Good sound comes at any price. We're honest dealers who deal with honest teachers." A complete musical resource, Menzel Violins carries a large selection of sheet music for strings—and if they don't have what you want, they'll gladly order it. A member of the American Association of Appraisers, which adheres to "very strict standards," the string dealership also does appraisals. Adult lessons are offered with a Juilliard-trained teacher, and ongoing workshops provide opportunities for musicians to network and hone their skills. MoFiddles also sponsors popular on-site open mic nights and a concert series featuring respected musicians. "It's about flat-out honest talent and having a good time," Menzel says. For this dedicated, caring Texan-at-heart, it's also about staying true to her customers—and to herself. "I believe that the richest person is the one who dies with the most stories," she says with a smile. "And in that regard, I'm loaded."  Menzel Violins/MoFiddles 4260 Town Center Way, Livingston • 973-994-1083 www.menzelviolins.com • www.mofiddles.com Appraisals, Classes & Concerts March 2010 SuburbanEssex.com 47

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