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	<title>The String Instrument Shop</title>
	<atom:link href="http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?feed=rss2" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog</link>
	<description>Instruments for Life</description>
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		<title>Revision of Shipping Rates for Overseas Purchases</title>
		<link>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=208</link>
		<comments>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=208#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:25:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lamsongpoh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=208</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dear valued customers, We wish to inform you that with immediate effect, all overseas shipments have been standardized to conform to Poslaju&#8217;s rates for international shipments. In the past, we have offered subsidized shipping rates, but in reality, these rates were actually based on local delivery rates for shipments within Malaysia. We can no longer [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Dear valued customers,</p>
<p>We wish to inform you that with immediate effect, all overseas shipments have been standardized to conform to <a href="http://www.pos.com.my/V1/main2.asp?c=/v1/tariff/poslaju/emsrate.asp" target="_blank">Poslaju&#8217;s rates</a> for international shipments. In the past, we have offered subsidized shipping rates, but in reality, these rates were actually based on local delivery rates for shipments within Malaysia. We can no longer afford to offer these rates for overseas shipments without incurring any losses, and as such, we appeal for your kind understanding on this matter.</p>
<p>However, we can still offer you great savings on shipping if you so decide to to <a href="http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=183" target="_blank">order via email</a>. Or you may learn more about our methods of shipping by clicking <a href="http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?page_id=125" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>Any inconvenience caused is very much regretted.</p>
<p>-The Management</p>
<p>TheStringInstrumentShop.com</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>iPay88 DirectLink Email Payment Solution</title>
		<link>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=183</link>
		<comments>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=183#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:56:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lamsongpoh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=183</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dear valued customers, TheStringInstrumentShop.com now offers you the convenience of purchasing via email using iPay88&#8242;s DirectLink*  email payment services in just THREE easy steps! See below to learn learn how it works. See how easy it is? If you are still not sure how it works, don&#8217;t worry, just visit our contacts page and write [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Dear valued customers,</p>
<p>TheStringInstrumentShop.com now offers you the convenience of purchasing via email using<em><strong> iPay88&#8242;s DirectLink</strong></em>*  email payment services in just <strong>THREE </strong>easy steps! See below to learn learn how it works.</p>
<p><a href="http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/EmailOrderDiagram.jpg"></a><a href="http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/EmailOrderDiagram.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-221" title="EmailOrderDiagram" src="http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/EmailOrderDiagram.jpg" alt="" width="649" height="378" /></a></p>
<p>See how easy it is? If you are still not sure how it works, don&#8217;t worry, just visit our <a href="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/store/contact.php" target="_blank">contacts</a> page and write in to us, and we will happy to assist you.</p>
<p>Have a nice day!</p>
<p>The Management,</p>
<p>TheStringInstrumentShop.com</p>
<p><em><br />
</em></p>
<p><em>*Accepts payments via credit cards. Malaysian electronic payment  systems are also supported.</em></p>
<p><em>** iPay88 is a Malaysian payment gateway service by iPay88 Sdn. Bhd. an MSC Certified Company. For more information, please visit </em><em><a href="http://www.ipay88.com/" target="_blank">iPay88&#8242;s website</a>.<br />
</em></p>
<p><em>***Please allow 1-2 days for processing. Processing time is not inclusive of shipping time.<br />
</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Review &#8211; Classique Primo Violin Outfit</title>
		<link>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=135</link>
		<comments>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=135#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:37:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lamsongpoh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=135</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Introduction Getting a new violin can be both a frightening and exciting experience. Most students dread winding up with an instrument that is unplayable, or an instrument that will hold them back as they progress to more advanced grades. It is therefore necessary to properly research an instrument before making a purchase. Oftentimes, when deciding [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Introduction</strong></p>
<p>Getting a new violin can be both a frightening and exciting experience. Most students dread winding up with an instrument that is unplayable, or an instrument that will hold them back as they progress to more advanced grades. It is therefore necessary to properly research an instrument before making a purchase. Oftentimes, when deciding to invest in a first instrument, the buyer is so overwhelmed with choices that he or she inadvertently makes the wrong choice. In line with our philosophy of making it easier for our customers to make purchasing decisions, we offer comprehensive reviews of our instruments.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" title="cplogo" src="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/blogmedia/cpreview/ClassiquePrimoLogo2.jpg" alt="cplogo" width="397" height="198" /></p>
<p>Today, we will be reviewing a violin from the One series, from the Classique Primo brand of string instruments. This outfit comes with a medium/golden brown instrument made with medium-light flamed maple sides, neck and back with a solid spruce top, fitted with ebony accessories (fingerboard, chinrest, pegs and tailpiece) and comes pre-stringed with Thomastik Vision strings. Let us take a closer look at the instrument.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Instrument Setup</strong></p>
<p>One of the worst things that can happen when buying a violin is realizing that your instrument had been improperly set up. We were pleased to say that this instruments was very well set up, with the strings running nearly parallel to the fingerboard. The bridge has been hand-graduated to achieve the proper curvature of the strings against the bridge and fingerboard. The bridge’s contact points have also been sanded to match the curvature of the instrument’s spruce top. A properly set up instrument is an important factor to consider if you want an instrument that is both playable and easy to handle.</p>
<p><strong>Sound Projection and Characteristics</strong></p>
<p>The sound of the instrument can be described as somewhat bright, thanks the Thomastik Vision strings that come with the instrument. The sound projection is above average, making this instrument suitable as a student violin suitable for use in junior and intermediate-level orchestras.</p>
<p><strong>Instrument Case</strong></p>
<p>The case that comes with the instrument is an oblong-type foam case with a side accessory pocket and room for two bows, as well as inside compartments for storing a shoulder rest, rosin and even a tuner or metronome. Also included is a blanket for covering the instrument and a carrying strap for the case.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>The Outfit in a Nutshell…</strong></p>
<p>To sum it up, this outfit comes with the following items:</p>
<ol>
<li>Violin</li>
<li>A high quality octagonal/round bow.</li>
<li>Rosin</li>
<li>Oblong case with carrying strap and blanket.</li>
<li>Optional extra set of strings (Thomastik Dominant/Vision)</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Our Verdict</strong></p>
<p>In conclusion, this instrument is very suitable for students of the instrument who wish to take their playing to the next level. Priced at RM 895.00 (approximately US$ 270.00), this violin outfit is hard to beat when it comes to value for money as there are similar instruments that cost as few hundred ringgit more. Furthermore, the instrument set-up is also deserving of praise as the violin is comfortable to hold and play. The sound projection is above average, so getting yourself heard when playing the instrument is not going to be a problem.</p>
<p><strong>Pros:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Pleasing sound</li>
<li>Superior setup.</li>
<li>Value for money.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Cons: </strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Somewhat lacking in projection.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Breakdown of score: </strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<table style="height: 98px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="409">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="319" valign="top">Sound projection</td>
<td width="319" valign="top">7/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319" valign="top">Instrument setup</td>
<td width="319" valign="top">9/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319" valign="top">Responsiveness</td>
<td width="319" valign="top">8/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319" valign="top">Design and presentation</td>
<td width="319" valign="top">8/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319" valign="top">Value for money</td>
<td width="319" valign="top">9/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" width="638" valign="top"><strong>Final Score:  82/100   (Recommended)</strong></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>Photo Gallery</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img class="aligncenter" title="cp1" src="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/blogmedia/cpreview/cp_one_large1.jpg" alt="" width="527" height="318" /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img class="alignnone" title="cp6" src="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/blogmedia/cpreview/cp_one_large6.jpg" alt="cp6" width="528" height="351" /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img class="alignnone" title="cp5" src="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/blogmedia/cpreview/cp_one_large5.jpg" alt="cp5" width="357" height="674" /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone" title="cp2" src="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/blogmedia/cpreview/cp_one_large2.jpg" alt="cp2" width="356" height="534" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="cp2" src="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/blogmedia/cpreview/cp_one_large7.jpg" alt="cp2" width="641" height="196" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone" title="cp12" src="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/blogmedia/cpreview/cp_one_large12.jpg" alt="cp12" width="530" height="321" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone" title="cp13" src="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/blogmedia/cpreview/cp_one_large13.jpg" alt="cp13" width="531" height="276" /></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?feed=rss2&amp;p=135</wfw:commentRss>
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		<title>Price Revision &#8211; Thomastik Vision violin strings</title>
		<link>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=111</link>
		<comments>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=111#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:41:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lamsongpoh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=111</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dear valued customers, Kindly take note that with immediate effect, Thomastik Vision violin strings (4/4 size) will be priced at RM 110.00 per set, up from the previous RM 100.00 per set. This is due to price revisions made by the manufacturer. Thank you for your kind understanding. The Management, The String Instrument Shop]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
<p>Dear valued customers,</p>
<p>Kindly take note that with immediate effect, <a href="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/store/thomastikinfeld-vienna-thomastik-vision-violin-strings-size-p-43.html" target="_blank">Thomastik Vision violin strings (4/4 size) </a>will be priced at RM 110.00 per  set, up from the previous RM 100.00 per set. This is due to price revisions made by the manufacturer. Thank you for your kind  understanding.</p>
<p>The Management,</p>
<p>The String Instrument Shop</p>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Service Interruption Notice</title>
		<link>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=109</link>
		<comments>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=109#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:22:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lamsongpoh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=109</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dear valued customers, We wish to apologize for any inconvenience caused during the last 24 hours of service interruption. The interruption was the result of technical problems with our server. As of now onwards, all services have resumed and you should be able to navigate the company&#8217;s website without any difficulties. Thank you for your [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Dear valued customers,</p>
<p>We wish to apologize for any inconvenience caused during the last 24 hours of service interruption. The interruption was the result of technical problems with our server.</p>
<p>As of now onwards, all services have resumed and you should be able to navigate the company&#8217;s website without any difficulties.</p>
<p>Thank you for your kind understanding.</p>
<p>The Management,</p>
<p>The String Instrument Shop</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Thomastik Dominant Strings &#8211; Price Update</title>
		<link>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=107</link>
		<comments>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=107#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:17:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lamsongpoh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=107</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dear valued customers, Kindly take note that with immediate effect, Thomastik Dominant violin strings (4/4 size) will be priced at RM 135.00 per set, up from the previous RM 125.00 per set. Thank you for your kind understanding. For further information, please refer to our previous posting. The Management, The String Instrument Shop]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Dear valued customers,</p>
<p>Kindly take note that with immediate effect, <a href="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/store/thomastikinfeld-vienna-thomastik-dominant-violin-strings-size-p-46.html">Thomastik Dominant violin strings (4/4 size) </a>will be priced at RM 135.00 per set, up from the previous RM 125.00 per set. Thank you for your kind understanding. For further information, please refer to our <a href="http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=104">previous posting</a>.</p>
<p>The Management,</p>
<p>The String Instrument Shop</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?feed=rss2&amp;p=107</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Price Revision &#8211; Thomastik Dominant Strings</title>
		<link>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=104</link>
		<comments>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=104#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:44:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lamsongpoh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=104</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dear valued customers, Please kindly take note that from 26th January 2010 onwards, the price per set of Thomasik Dominant 4/4 sized violin strings will be increased to MYR 135.00, up from the present price of MYR 125.00. The price adjustment is necessary to reflect the current market conditions. Any inconvenience caused is much regretted. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Dear valued customers,</p>
<p>Please kindly take note that from 26th January 2010 onwards, the price per set of Thomasik Dominant 4/4 sized violin strings will be increased to MYR 135.00, up from the present price of MYR 125.00. The price adjustment is necessary to reflect the current market conditions. Any inconvenience caused is much regretted.</p>
<p>The Management,</p>
<p>The String Instrument Shop</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Christmas Holiday Promotions (17th &#8211; 26th Dec 09)</title>
		<link>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=101</link>
		<comments>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=101#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:31:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lamsongpoh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=101</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ho ho ho! The best deals in town are finally here! With only a week to go before Christmas, now is your chance to enjoy great discounts and savings for 10 days, starting from today till 26th December 2009. Prices that will make your jaw drop &#8211; only from The String Instrument Shop. So what [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ho ho ho!</p>
<p>The best <a href="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/store/specials.php" target="_blank">deals</a> in town are finally here! With only a week to go before Christmas, now is your chance to enjoy great discounts and savings for 10 days, starting from today till 26th December 2009.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/store/documents/xmas_promo_list.pdf" target="_self">Prices</a> that will make your jaw drop &#8211; only from The String Instrument Shop.</p>
<p>So what are you waiting for? Check out the links below for more details.</p>
<p>1. <a href="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/store/documents/xmas_promo_flyer.pdf" target="_self">Christmas Promotions &#8211;  Brochure (PDF download)</a></p>
<p>2. <a href="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/store/documents/xmas_promo_list.pdf" target="_self">Price List (PDF download)</a></p>
<p>3. <a href="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/store/specials.php" target="_blank">Our products currently on promotion</a></p>
<p>Merry X&#8217;mas!</p>
<p>The String Instrument Shop</p>
<p>&#8220;Instruments for Life&#8221;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Classique Primo &#8211; Product Catalog</title>
		<link>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=86</link>
		<comments>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=86#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:12:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lamsongpoh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=86</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dear customers, We would like to apologize for the delay in relaying information with regard to our lineup of Classique Primo instruments. We also regret to inform you that we will only be able to take orders for these instruments from February 2010. However, you are free to refer to our online catalog/brochure here. We [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Dear customers,</p>
<p>We would like to apologize for the delay in relaying information with regard to our lineup of Classique Primo instruments. We also regret to inform you that we will only be able to take orders for these instruments from February 2010. However, you are free to refer to our online catalog/brochure <a href="http://www.thestringinstrumentshop.com/store/documents/classique_primo_catalog.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.</p>
<p>-TheStringInstrumentShop.com Team</p>
<p><em>“Instruments for Life”</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>Shipping Rates Update</title>
		<link>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=74</link>
		<comments>http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=74#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:00:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lamsongpoh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thestringinstrumentshop.com/blog/?p=74</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dear customers, Please take note that the shipping rates have been updated, with immediate effect, to reflect the current cost of shipping. All rates are subjected to the following changes: a. 10% fuel surcharge . b. 10% handling surcharge. c. 5% GST. If you have further questions, please write in to inquiries@TheStringInstrumentshop.com. Thank you for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;">Dear customers,</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Please take note that the shipping rates have been updated, with immediate effect, to reflect the current cost of shipping. All rates are subjected to the following changes:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">a. 10% fuel surcharge .</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">b. 10% handling surcharge.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">c. 5% GST.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If you have further questions, please write in to inquiries@TheStringInstrumentshop.com.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Thank you for your kind understanding.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Sincerely,</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em>-TheStringInstrumentShop.com Team</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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