Earning its initial reputation as the largest, dedicated sheet music specialist retailer in Singapore and the region, Music Essentials (early roots was Barock Music Centre) has been serving generations of musicians since the 1980s. As a music advocate, it saw its obligation and the need for students, teachers, musicians, and the public to access a wide range of sheet music (instrumental and voice) and fine Urtext editions, when music exam-related materials were (and still) the staple in most music shops.

Yet, fuelled by another vision, i.e., "to bring good, high-quality hand-crafted string instruments at affordable prices to people," Essentially Strings, continues to serve the Singapore music community and the region today through its award-winning range of Eastman Strings instruments as well as master-maker string instruments.

Helmed by Chia Sin Teck, Singapore’s notable master string luthier and entrepreneur-owner, Essentially Strings prides itself on its strings expertise. This includes instrument setup and maintenance, 'surgery' and repairs, proper sizing for the correct size of the instrument, customisation of tone, and playability.

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 are so proud of the Eastman Strings quality and price affordability that we are 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.