We’re passionate about music.
We’re passionate about string instruments.
We’re interested in people.
We’re driven by quality.
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

Regional distributor for SE Asia for Eastman Strings instruments
Earning its initial reputation as the largest, dedicated specialist sheet music retailer in Singapore and the region, Music Essentials has been serving generations of musicians since the 1980s. As a music advocate, it saw its obligation and the need back then for students, musicians and the public to access a wide range of sheet music and fine Urtext editions, during the days when music exam-related materials were the staples in most music shops.

Having fulfilled its mission and yet fuelled by another vision – i.e., ‘to bring good, high quality string instruments at affordable prices to people’ – Music Essentials today continues to serve the music community locally and regionally through the award-winning range of Eastman Strings instruments. Much sought after internationally by discerning professional musicians and customers for its exceptional handcrafted quality, each one-of- its-kind instrument comes ‘alive’ with tonal beauty and appearance that can only be achieved by hand – those of “outstandingly gifted craftspeople” – using techniques and tools (chisels, knives and scrapers) and traditional workshop methods that still stay true to five centuries of tradition of master luthiers.

“By the time an Eastman Strings instrument reaches the player, dozens of expert craftspeople have had a hand in bringing it to the peak of its sound, playability, and beauty.”

Helmed by Chia Sin Teck, Singapore’s notable master string luthier/entrepreneur-owner, Music Essentials prides itself for its strings expertise which includes instrument setup, ‘surgery’, maintenance and repairs and consultation on proper sizing for the right size of instrument. Clients are also able to seek Chia’s knowledge and skills in ‘customisation of tone’ for their instruments and their playability. For example:

• The instrument can be setup for the ‘open strings’ and every note to have the same intensity and volume. This means the sound quality is ‘even’ when bowing from one ‘open string’ to a ‘fingered note’ (and not ‘lopsided’ which is often the case for many players’ own instruments before such an operation).
• To balance the volume and intensity of the second and third strings of the instrument to match the first and fourth strings if the sound is not balanced. This is not done by moving the sound post to ‘compromise’ resorting to the sound.

Beyond retail of instruments, many of our customers have forged a long relationship with us where their instruments are properly maintained and serviced during ‘health checks’ (for existing Eastman Strings instrument owners). Customers moreover appreciate the attractive instrument trade-up schemes (to higher models/sizes). We’re so proud of the Eastman Strings quality and price affordability that we’re keen to discuss Eastman dealership with potential interested dealers. Our clientele includes professional and amateur string players, teachers, students, orchestras, music groups, music/arts institutions and academic schools. As passionate musicians, we understand musicians and their instrument needs/problems. Come talk to us today!

Quotes

“Chia Sin Teck has been taking care of both my antique instruments – an 1893 Eugenio Degani and an anonymous 18 th century Italian – for the last few years and his expertise has made both my cellos sound better than before. His deft fingers and expert hearing have helped with their projection and singing qualities. I have been consulting him on the changes of strings as well as the periodic adjustment my instruments have needed. These have included new bridges and other minor adjustments to the cellos and I have complete faith in Sin Teck to always restore my instruments to their previous glory!”
Leslie Tan (Cellist, T’ang Quartet)

“We have known Mr Chia Sin Teck since 2001, first as the owner of a shop focusing on the sale of sheet music and some years later on the sale of string instruments.  We have played and owned several of his instruments.  Over the years, the service provided by Mr Chia has enabled us to have our instruments properly checked and maintained. Mr Chia has an innate sense of the potential of each string instrument, largely due to his training, knowledge and skill.  He has the ability to adjust an instrument to the preference and comfort of the player who regularly comes back to him after purchasing an instrument.  He also hears the subtle differences of tone, colour and expression of each instrument at the level which only trained musicians can.  Every instrument under his care will be set up in the best possible way to sound at its very best. Every student or professional who have bought an instrument from Mr Chia continues to enjoy many years of unwavering service and advice on how best to maintain their instrument.”
Dr Tan Wee Hsin and Lillian Wang (Musicians of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra)

“I have known Mr Chia for more than a year now and have come to respect and appreciate him during this period. I had the privilege to learn from him the basic setup and the adjustments of string instruments during a course in January 2016. I can confidently say that his way of teaching is the most comprehensive, straight – forward and right to the point I could have wished for. I have witnessed – his uniqueness in South – east Asia – tap – tuning technique and can confidently say that it helps make an instrument come to its full potential. Furthermore, as a person he possesses an integrity rarely encountered in any aspect of human interaction.”
Ergys Koni (Violinist, former violinist of Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra)

“Scientifically backed and logically sound, Mr Chia’s setup provides brightness without losing the original timbre of the cello. It gives cellists the wonderful sense of security to having easy access to both depth and power, thereby enhancing the colours of the cello on the stage. There is no “mystery” to the setup and everything can be justified with simple logic.”
Eddie Sim (Cellist, Singapore Chinese Orchestra)

address:
65 Ubi Road 1
#01-97 Oxley Bizhub 1
Singapore 408729

phone number: 
Tel: (+65) 9230 9302

email:
buymusic@musicessentials.com