Business Details
We supply fine stringed instruments to players of all levels, from novices to virtuosi and amateurs to professionals. We provide courteous, professional service of the highest quality and consideration. We cater to symphony professionals, community orchestra members, teachers, students, classical players, jazz players, congregational musicians, country fiddlers, occasional hobbyists, and the merely curious. Our specialties include violins, especially old violins, violas, cellos, basses, and bows. We perform expert repair, restoration, and appraisal services for all stringed instruments. We buy, sell, and trade stringed instruments, including select fretted instruments. Our 1930s Art Deco building in the historic Carondelet District of South St. Louis houses a gallery of fine vintage instruments.
We are open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and between noon and 4:00 pm on most Saturdays. With over 25 years of experience crafting violins, violas, and cellos, our founder Geoffrey J. Seitz brings unparalleled expertise to every project. Geoffrey apprenticed in 1976 with Gold Medal-winning violin maker Glenn T. Stockton, ensuring a foundation of traditional craftsmanship. Our instruments are celebrated for their beautiful design and rich tone, featured in international publications like Strings. We have amassed an extensive collection of fine stringed instruments, showcasing decades of dedication to the art form. Our long experience and keen eye make us sought-after experts in stringed instrument identification.
We are open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and between noon and 4:00 pm on most Saturdays. With over 25 years of experience crafting violins, violas, and cellos, our founder Geoffrey J. Seitz brings unparalleled expertise to every project. Geoffrey apprenticed in 1976 with Gold Medal-winning violin maker Glenn T. Stockton, ensuring a foundation of traditional craftsmanship. Our instruments are celebrated for their beautiful design and rich tone, featured in international publications like Strings. We have amassed an extensive collection of fine stringed instruments, showcasing decades of dedication to the art form. Our long experience and keen eye make us sought-after experts in stringed instrument identification.
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of experience in crafting and repairing stringed instruments.
- Our founder apprenticed under Gold Medal-winning violin maker Glenn T. Stockton.
- We have been featured in Strings, an international string instrument publication.
- Our extensive collection includes fine vintage instruments curated over decades.
- We provide expert appraisals and identification services for stringed instruments.
Services
Violinmaking
Geoffrey J. Seitz crafts custom violins, violas, and cellos with meticulous attention to detail and tonal quality. With over 25 years of experience and an apprenticeship under Glenn T. Stockton, each instrument reflects traditional craftsmanship and innovation. Our handmade instruments are prized by professionals and enthusiasts for their rich tone and beautiful design.
Repair & Restoration
We provide expert repair and restoration services for violins, violas, cellos, and bows, ensuring instruments retain their value and sound quality. Our meticulous process addresses structural issues, cracks, and wear while preserving original materials. Clients trust us to revive heirloom instruments and maintain their playability and aesthetics.
Appraisal Services
Our certified appraisals offer accurate valuations for stringed instruments, whether for insurance, sale, or historical significance. Geoffrey Seitzs extensive knowledge and experience in instrument identification ensure precise assessments. Clients receive detailed documentation supporting each appraisal, aiding in informed decisions.
Instrument Sales
We offer a curated selection of fine stringed instruments, including vintage and new models, catering to all skill levels and genres. From student instruments to professional-grade violins, our inventory meets diverse needs. Our expert staff provides guidance to help clients find the perfect instrument.
Buying & Trading
We actively buy, sell, and trade stringed instruments, including select fretted instruments, providing flexible options for clients. Our process ensures fair market value for sellers and quality assurance for buyers. Trading instruments allows clients to upgrade or diversify their collection seamlessly.
Reviews (4)
Casey Penn
Jun 11, 2022
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I was able to find a wonderful new (old) instrument through Geoffrey, and he offered great service and information. I'm happy with my purchase.
Matthew Lewis
May 09, 2021
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Neat little shop with huge inventory and friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced owners. It's hard to find places these days with such an appreciation for craftsmanship. Mr. Seitz gave us a reasonable value on our trade and a good price for a 1/4 size violin for our daughter (which sounds much better than the student violin she'd been using). We never plan to buy her another violin anywhere else, and once I can save up a bit I plan to return to pick one out for myself.
We just stopped by while in town, but it's better to call ahead for an appointment so they can have relevant inventory ready for you to view. I'm not sure if they carry totally new instruments (other than what Mr. Seitz makes on site) but all the pre-owned instruments are carefully restored and in great shape. If you're looking for a handcrafted violin, or a quality instrument with some history behind it, this is absolutely the place to go.
We just stopped by while in town, but it's better to call ahead for an appointment so they can have relevant inventory ready for you to view. I'm not sure if they carry totally new instruments (other than what Mr. Seitz makes on site) but all the pre-owned instruments are carefully restored and in great shape. If you're looking for a handcrafted violin, or a quality instrument with some history behind it, this is absolutely the place to go.
Cara Mcculley
Feb 15, 2021
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Extremely knowledgeable luthier! Also just a super nice guy, fun to chat with, and that STORE! It should be on tours of St Louis, truly remarkable.
Laura Plummer
Mar 03, 2020
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I am the orchestra director of a metro area school district and have been taking our best instruments to Geoff for many years. He does an outstanding job repairing and restoring our instruments, be it our elementary strings that need continual repair or our top very fine high school instruments. He has an excellent inventory of great instruments. We purchased my daughter's cello from his shop and have had students purchase instruments over the years and all have been very pleased. Geoff is a talented and very humble craftsman who takes his time ensuring repairs are made right.
