OUR STORY

Luthiers & Educators

Delmonico & Dugdale is dedicated to the art of crafting and caring for fine string instruments, earning the trust of musicians throughout New York State. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, they work closely with educators, professional performers, and aspiring students alike. Their expertise has made them valued partners within the musical community, trusted by institutions including Eastman School of Music and the Virtu Foundation.

From the smallest job to the largest,  we operate by appointment only to give the highest level of service to players of all ages and abilities. The full service shop includes repairs, restorations, setups, bow work, rentals, and sales.

A man with glasses and a beard smiling while holding a double bass, standing in front of a wall with several violins hanging.

John Delmonico

Upon graduating from college during the 2008 recession and with  a year of substitute teaching under his belt, John walked into a violin shop. His intention was to buy a cello, but came out with a job and no new instrument. He quickly became enamored with the bench work. Nine years later John has become known for his cello expertise and adjustments, aiding players in achieving their optimal sound. 

John is an active community musician and teacher. He teaches cello at the Hochstein School of Music & Dance and is founding member of The Delmonico String Quartet.

A man in a red and white checkered shirt standing in front of a wall with multiple guitars hanging on it.

James Dugdale III

Jimmy first started wood working in his father's home shop as a child. During his youth, he worked for a home remodeling company in Indiana. After studying to become a high school history teacher at Illinois College, Jimmy found himself right back in woodworking helping his sister build her kitchen in Queens. Being a naturally skilled craftsman, he quickly found himself with a job as a scenic carpenter building holiday window displays for large department stores. But after several years of the Big City life, he found himself disillusioned with throwing his work away after the displays ended. Having always loved classical music, he found himself applying to the Chicago School of Violin Making. Upon graduation, he ended up in Rochester, NY. He is now focusing his craft on tinkering, luthier work, and home remodeling.

A music room with a gray wall featuring a row of violins hanging from hooks, and several cellos resting on the floor. There are framed sheet music or musical diagrams on the white wall, and a small wooden table with drawers on the left. A potted plant is visible on the right side.
Two people, a man with glasses and a woman, are standing in a room with numerous violins hanging on the wall behind them. They are looking at items on display, possibly in a music store or exhibit.

The Rochester Shop

While we rent, sell, and repair instruments from Buffalo to Brooklyn New York, our shop location gives us the opportunity to invite area musicians interested in seeing instruments first-hand and having conversations about their unique questions or challenges.

We sell a curated inventory of string instruments and accessories. We are open by appointment only and welcome everyone.

Hours & Location

𖡡 88 Elm St Suite 102, Rochester, NY 14604

Located in the beautiful Parcel 5 area with plenty of parking & accessiblity.

Hours
Mon–Fri 9:30a–4:30p
by appt only

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT