Business Details
29 Years
experience
Handcrafted String Instruments with Expert Setup & Lifetime Guarantee
Founded in 1997, our company has dedicated over 25 years to serving string musicians worldwide with handcrafted violins, violas, and cellos. We combine traditional craftsmanship with modern expertise to deliver instruments that meet exacting standards for tone and playability. Every instrument undergoes a meticulous 3-7 hour professional setup by master luthiers, ensuring optimal performance straight from the case. Our 14-day home trial program allows musicians to test instruments in their natural environment, while our lifetime guarantee reflects our confidence in product quality. With a global network of trusted workshops and partnerships with industry leaders like CodaBow and D'Addario, we maintain transparency in recommendations and pricing.Our team of experienced musicians provides personalized guidance based on decades of playing expertise, treating each customer relationship as a lifelong partnership. The trade-in program supports musical growth by offering 100% value retention for first upgrades. StringWorks remains family-owned, prioritizing customer satisfaction through educational resources and specialized services like wolf tone elimination and string selection guidance.
Services
Violin Sales
Cello Rentals
Viola Trade-Ins
Instrument Setup
String Selection
Educational Resources
Wolf Tone Solutions
Home Trials
Lifetime Warranty
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer a 14-day home trial for instrument testing
- Our instruments receive 3-7 hours of professional luthier setup
- We provide a limited lifetime guarantee on all instruments
- Our team includes musicians with 20+ years of playing experience
- We partner with industry leaders like CodaBow and D'Addario
What people say
Better customer service
Lifetime guarantee
Expert instrument matching
14-day trial program
Transparent pricing
Services
Handcrafted String Instruments
StringWorks offers fully carved, handmade violins, violas, and cellos for musicians at all levels. Each instrument receives 3-7 hours of professional luthier setup to ensure optimal playability and sound quality. Backed by a limited lifetime guarantee, these instruments come from trusted global workshops and include brands like Michael Todd and Kallo Bartok.
Expert Instrument Setup
Our master luthiers spend 3-5 hours on violins/violas and 5-7 hours on cellos for comprehensive setup. This includes bridge placement, string installation, and soundpost adjustment to maximize tonal potential. The process exceeds factory standards, delivering ready-to-play instruments with superior responsiveness and projection.
14-Day Home Trials
Test instruments at home for 14 days to ensure perfect fit with your playing style. Compare multiple instruments side-by-side in your practice space or with teachers. This risk-free program includes return shipping and expert guidance throughout the selection process.
Trade-In Program
Upgrade your instrument with 100% value retention for first trade-ins and 80% for subsequent upgrades. The program supports musical growth by making higher-level instruments accessible while maintaining investment value in your initial purchase.
Educational Resources
Access guides on string selection, instrument care, and size fitting through StringWorks University. Learn from expert articles about humidification, wolf tone elimination, and budgeting for cellos. These resources help musicians make informed decisions at every skill level.
Questions
What types of instruments does StringWorks sell?
We offer handmade violins, violas, and cellos for students to professionals, including beginner, intermediate, and top-tier models.
Do you provide rental instruments?
Yes, we offer violin, viola, and cello rentals with flexible terms for students and developing musicians.
What warranty options exist?
All instruments include a limited lifetime guarantee covering craftsmanship and material defects.
How do I choose the right instrument?
Our experts guide selections based on skill level, playing goals, and budget through personalized consultations.
Can I test instruments before buying?
Yes, our 14-day home trial lets you play instruments in your practice environment before deciding.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Jeffrey Carlson
Mar 28, 2022
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I initially purchased an Amazon 4/4 violin and then began reading Olaf on YouTube. His theory is to purchase what you can afford but don't purchase a violin that will fight you because you won't have fun playing it. I kept watching Olaf and he made sense with humor so that moved my needle away from Amazon. I wanted to find a local luthier and violin sales shop closer to Green Bay Wi and I found Stringworks whose mission sounded like Olaf's. I ended up ordering one of their instruments. I would have bought one from Olaf but he's in Australia. I look forward to my new discovery. God bless you all. Jeff
Jill
Feb 28, 2022
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Wonderfully friendly and helpful! Evan helped me select my first cello, giving me advice about the different models and never trying to upsell. He also helped me choose the best bow to go along with my selection. And then when FedEx screwed up in the delivery, he worked hard to stay on top of what was going on and get it resolved. Despite the long excursion FedEx took the instrument on, it arrived in great shape - a testament to the wonderful packing job. The instrument is beautiful and sounds great! I can't say enough good things about StringWorks and the people there who care.
Kaye Sewvay
Feb 06, 2022
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A wonderful experience buying this cello. I had been playing for 6 months but my first cello was a plywood laminate and as I progressed I felt like I was having to fight it to make a sound. When I contacted Evan he was so patient and explained things at my level. Somehow he found me the perfect cello. As it was being shipped to Canada during winter, he watched the weather patterns between their shop and where I live and found the perfect window for shipping. Arrived well packaged and protected.
I had bought the Michael Todd III Special Edition, thinking I would upgrade it in the future; but this cello is amazing. It sounds as good as my teacher's $10k cello and it has not even had a chance to open up yet. My teacher was extremely impressed. The set up is amazing. I can play for hours on this without hand pain and tension, which was an issue with my old cello. And just and FYI to any Canadian shoppers - there is no duty on string instruments. So no hidden/extra costs upon arrival.
I had bought the Michael Todd III Special Edition, thinking I would upgrade it in the future; but this cello is amazing. It sounds as good as my teacher's $10k cello and it has not even had a chance to open up yet. My teacher was extremely impressed. The set up is amazing. I can play for hours on this without hand pain and tension, which was an issue with my old cello. And just and FYI to any Canadian shoppers - there is no duty on string instruments. So no hidden/extra costs upon arrival.
Melisa West
Sep 20, 2021
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Evan was super helpful and very knowledgeable. I went in for a viola bow and case and ended up getting my viola inspected by one of their luthiers as well. Everyone was polite and happy to help me. What a great place!
Charlie Egan
Jul 25, 2021
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We recently went shopping for our son's first intermediate level cello. We looked at numerous places, both locally and in Chicago. StringWorks is worth a visit. Their instruments are beautiful, both visually and acoustically. Evan helped us on our journey to learn and explore a variety of cellos. His knowledge, patience, and experience made this process comfortable and exciting. His willingness to help us went above and beyond our expectations, including personally dropping off cellos to our house for a home trial. I am thankful this business is part of our town!
