Common Questions

  • Luthiers make and repair stringed instruments, like violins, violas, cellos, to name a few. We rehair bows, we cut new bridges, we replace soundposts and we fix open seams, cracks and splits.

  • Nope! We also sell and rent violins, violas, and cellos. It’s a full-service kind of experience here.

  • We are located in downtown Rochester, but we serve musicians across New York State in Buffalo, Syracuse, Brooklyn, and beyond.

  • You can find our rental program right here!

  • Nope! It’s a mix. Some instruments we buy from modern workshops, while others are from other centuries and other countries! There’s something for every ear and every budget.

  • Violin makers usually stick with spruce for the top and maple for the back neck and ribs, and sometimes they’ll use poplar or willow for the back, neck and ribs. It all depends!

  • A case humidifier will change your life! We like Boveda, and it’ll help protect your instrument from costly repairs. You can learn more about instrument care on our website here.

  • Rehairs usually take 48 hrs, and you can book right online here. Getting your string instrument rehaired every 6 months is a great schedule to stick to when you play regularly.

  • We like to use real horsehair for our bow rehairs.

  • Violinists and violists should change their strings at least every 6 months. Cellists can change their lower two strings at least once a year and the upper two strings every 6 months.

  • Each bridge is custom cut and fitted to the instrument. No two bridges are alike, so they take a lot of careful work.