Business Details
32 Years
experience
Expert Violin Repair & Sales in Batavia, IL
Gregory S Sapp Violins has been dedicated to the art of violin craftsmanship, repair, and education since 1994. Founded by Greg Sapp, a graduate of the Chicago School of Violin Making with over four decades of experience, the business combines technical expertise with personalized service. Our team, including Gregs wife Mary Ellen (Mel), prioritizes customer satisfaction by offering tailored guidance for musicians at all levels. With two Illinois locations, we specialize in instrument sales, repairs, rentals, and tonal adjustments, serving both local and national clients. Our commitment to quality is evident in our handmade instruments, curated inventory, and rental program designed to support student success.We emphasize education, offering free string installation and expert advice on instrument selection. Our reputation for excellence has been built through decades of service to professional musicians, educators, and families. We maintain rigorous standards in restoration, using traditional techniques refined over years of practice. Our Chicago workshop focuses on precision repairs, while the Batavia location provides a full-service retail experience. By blending craftsmanship with accessibility, we aim to make high-quality string instruments and services available to all.
Services
Violin Repairs
Instrument Rentals
Tonal Adjustments
Bow Sales
String Sales
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized violin repair experience.
- Our family-run business prioritizes personalized customer service.
- Handmade instruments with seasoned spruce and maple construction.
- Generous rental credit toward future purchases with no time limits.
- Expert tonal adjustments for concert-level musicians.
What people say
BEST quality sound
Holds tune beautifully
Generous accrual policy
Expert tonal adjustments
Comfortable chinrest options
Services
Violin Repairs
Our repair services restore violins, violas, and cellos to optimal condition using traditional techniques. Greg Sapps expertise, honed over 25+ years, ensures precision in fixing cracks, soundposts, and structural issues. We specialize in tonal adjustments to enhance instrument resonance for professional musicians.
Instrument Rentals
High-quality rental program featuring handmade Johannes Kohr instruments with carbon fiber bows and protective cases. Includes free string installation and adjustable chinrests. Rental credit applies toward future purchases with no time limits, supporting student progression.
Tonal Adjustments
Customized tonal enhancements for concert-level instruments. Greg Sapps deep understanding of acoustics allows precise bridge and soundpost adjustments to maximize resonance and playability for advanced musicians seeking peak performance.
Bow Sales
Curated selection of vintage and modern bows including Sartory, Pfretzschner, and carbon fiber options. Each bow undergoes rigorous evaluation to ensure balance and responsiveness, catering to both collectors and performing musicians.
String Sales
Premium strings from Dominant, D'Addario, and Larsen available for immediate purchase. Free installation service ensures proper setup. Special orders accommodate niche requirements for historical or specialized instruments.
People
Gregory S. Sapp
Violin Maker & Repair Specialist
Graduate of Chicago School of Violin Making with 40+ years experience. Specializes in restoration of historical instruments and tonal adjustments for concert musicians. Developed proprietary violin-making system in 1995.
Mary Ellen Sapp
Retail Operations Manager
Manages day-to-day operations of Batavia store with background in finance and customer service. Focuses on family-friendly instrument selection and rental program administration. Coordinates inventory and client relations.
Questions
What makes your rental instruments better than competitors?
Our rental instruments use seasoned wood and quality strings, producing superior sound compared to typical fractional-sized instruments.
Do you offer repairs for non-customers?
Yes, we accept repair work from all clients, including walk-ins and dealers nationwide.
Can I purchase a rental instrument later?
All rental payments apply toward 40% of any future instrument purchase with no time limits.
What locations do you serve?
We operate stores in Batavia and Chicago, Illinois, with nationwide shipping and repair services.
Do you provide tonal adjustments for student instruments?
Yes, we optimize sound for all instruments regardless of skill level.
Reviews (4)
Alexi
May 05, 2022
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This is the place you want to be if you need anything string instrument related. Nice decorations, awesome professionals. Sapp Violins will be my go-to answer.
Harish Arora
Apr 24, 2022
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It was a pleasure going to Sapp violins. Feels like family from the first phone call, along the way of selection process, understanding the maintenance of instrument, taking the instruments home for a week for finalizing and to the payment and out the door. It was great talking to Mel and get her guidance. Nice people and great selection to chose from.
Dali Georgobiani
Feb 12, 2022
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We are relatively new to the area; we visited the place today - our daughter needed new strings on her viola, and her high school orchestra teacher recommended it - and it was a very positive, wonderful experience! The lady-in-charge, Mel, provided her expert service, top notch customer care, lots of attention to details. The place itself has a special, warm, old-world ambiance. We will be back whenever there is any need to repair or update the instrument. Thank you very much, Mel, it was very nice meeting you!
Andrew Frost
Sep 19, 2021
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Friendly stuff. We came without appointment, but was lucky, and after knock got open door. They took our bow to replace hair and gave us another one during they doing replacement. Very satisfied.
