When your violin needs repair, you want to find the best violin luthier available to fix it. This can be a frightening pursuit. With so many reports of less than honest repair shops, it is no wonder that many hesitate before having their treasured instrument fixed.

The name of luthier has been handed down for generations from those who fixed lutes. These early stringed instrument predated the more modern strings we know today, such as violin, viola, cello, double bass, and guitar. In the ancient times, a repair craftsman fixed them all. But today, people tend to specialize in one or two. Some will eventually study long enough to be able to make their own brand on instrument.

Students must apprentice for at least a year to master these skills. Many schools insist that apprentices be able to play at least one stringed instrument in order to study how to build them. Students generally take on work under the watchful supervision of a master. Tuition ranges begin at ten thousand for the first year and move upwards from there.

Some of these repair craftsmen also build fine instruments from scratch. They begin with beautiful woods and painstakingly build piece by piece. Many use early models of the finest versions as their primary design. Others add additional focus on acoustics, ensuring that the best sound quality emerges from each one.

The goal of each is to make the best repairs and build the best stringed instrument possible. Devoted to providing the richest sounds each piece can create, each craftsman is a slave to sound. Once the work is completed, the performing begins. Each item must be tested for musical sounds before leaving the shop.

Thanks to the Internet, comparing information about shops and violin makers is easier than it used to be. Information about top recommended repair people is available for violinists. The key is to discover is the expert in question deals with violins or strings such as guitars. Professionals and students alike may compare services from all over the world to discover what is available.

Be certain you keep documentation such as photos and any identifying numbers engraved into the wood. Some unscrupulous repairers have been known to switch labels, so do not rely on those alone. Ultimately, word of mouth is the best way to find top quality repairs in the world of strings.

Because repairs generally take time, do not expect your chosen violin luthier to hurry with yours. Do expect that excellent musical judgment, skills, and experiences will all factor into the work being done for you. Look for good references, evidence of training, and listen to any recordings of completed instruments whenever possible. Doing these things will help you to choose the right person for the job.

violin luthier