5842 Merriam Drive, Merriam | 913-677-0400
Lucky for Kansas City, a Russian family rich in music history decided to move here. As a result, the area is home to the only American maker of professional-quality violins, violas, cellos and basses. K.C. Strings is led by Anton Krutz, a Russian-born musician and the son of retired Kansas City Symphony bassist Misha Krutz. Anton Krutz opened the shop with Rick Williams, and today their instruments are played by many prominent musicians around the world. Of course, they're also happy to help local musicians, and they do so by running a full-service violin shop on site, where they repair, rent and sell stringed instruments and bows in all price ranges and sizes. Professionals and novices are treated equally here, which is very, very well.
