For over 35 years I have been serving the needs of string professionals and aspiring musicians alike. Trained in the German school of instrument restoration, I have earned the privilege of being considered the most trusted source for instrument purchases, repair and restoration in the Inland Northwest. My current customers include Principles in both the Spokane and Coeur d'Alene Symphonies, National Old Time Fiddle Grand National Champions and numerous internationally known fiddlers and violinists.
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Musical instruments have the ability to live for hundreds of years, and it is with that thought that we can view our ownership of them as temporary. Violin Works employs a wide range of techniques, tools and skills to complete all violin, viola and cello repairs and restorations to the highest degree.
The bridge and the soundpost of the violin have symbiotic acoustical and mechanical functions for transmitting the strings' vibration to the body of the instrument and modifying the flex of both top and back plates. The chief function of a violin's bridge is to transform the motion of the vibrating string into periodic driving forces which are applied by the feet to the top plate of the violin. The chief function of the soundpost is to temper the movment of the top and transfer vibrations to the back while also tempering it's movement.
The word "luthier" refers to one who builds, repairs, or restores, stringed instruments. James Kytonen has had over 30 years of experience honing his craft and in this short documentary, you will be given the opportunity to explore his workshop and learn what it means to work and live an art which has changed little over hundreds of years.
Reviews (11)
Valerian T.
Apr 28, 2022
The gentleman who runs this shop is so nice! He's friendly and knowledgeable and he put my new strings on my violin for me because I was afraid to do it myself. I am a student violin player but I buy my strings from him instead of online because I like shopping at local small businesses. I'm really glad we have a luthier in town and I'll be sad when he retires.
Diana B.
Jan 20, 2022
Mallory Robinson
Jun 16, 2020
Scott Ashby
Feb 19, 2020
Stefany Orozco-Valdovinos
Dec 15, 2019
Lana Ward
Dec 17, 2018
Tara Kumar
Jan 19, 2018
Megan Taylor
May 27, 2017
Absolutely loved this place! Went in to see how much it would cost to get my violin repaired. Opened up the case and he looked at it and began working. When he was finished I thought it'd cost a lot of money but he only charged for the missing string that he replaced. Will definitely be going here for future work.
Jay Arment
Mar 26, 2016
I have tried violin repair in Seattle and Spokane in the past 40 years. Jim, the owner, is the best I have run into so far. He excels in restoration and set-up of symphony quality (fine )instruments. His ability to coax more sound out of an existing instrument by adjusting the sound post and bridge is AMAZING. Because this is an owner-operated shop, he gets busy at times, and there may be a wait.
But Jim is worth waiting for! His advice is trusted by many professional fiddlers and violinists, for good reason. I also heard a cello that was restored by him, and it now is one of the best instruments I have ever heard play. Check his website for unusual shop hours, and you will not be disappointed.
But Jim is worth waiting for! His advice is trusted by many professional fiddlers and violinists, for good reason. I also heard a cello that was restored by him, and it now is one of the best instruments I have ever heard play. Check his website for unusual shop hours, and you will not be disappointed.
Fred Carpenter
Nov 17, 2015
I play old time fiddle and along with wanting a particular sound for my fiddle, I'm also particular about the height and curve of the bridge. I drove from Kennewick, WA to have the owner and luthier, James Kytonen make some adjustments to my fiddle. After he got done, it never played or sounded better! He's great at listening to the customer and is terrific to work with. All my fiddles will be going to his shop in the future. Thank you James for your years of luthier experience. My fiddle now has a new life!
Michael L.
Jan 21, 2015
