Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Handcrafted Violins and Instrument Services
Founded in 1989, Seman Violins has established itself as a premier destination for string instrument craftsmanship and services in the greater Chicago area. Our team of professional violin makers, all graduates of the Chicago School of Violin Making, combines decades of experience with a deep passion for music. We specialize in building custom instruments, meticulous restorations, and comprehensive repair services tailored to musicians of all levels, from students to renowned professionals. Our inventory features violins, violas, cellos, and basses crafted to exacting standards, alongside a curated selection of electric and fretted instruments.With over 35 years dedicated to serving artists, we pride ourselves on preserving traditional techniques while embracing modern innovations. Our commitment to quality ensures that every instrument we sell, rent, or repair meets the highest benchmarks of performance and authenticity. We foster lasting relationships with clients by prioritizing personalized service and technical excellence, reflecting our understanding of musicians' unique needs. This enduring dedication has made us a trusted name in the global string instrument community.
Services
Violin Making
String Instrument Repair
Violin Rentals
Electric Instruments
Restoration Services
Fretted Instruments
Rosin & Accessories
Music Stands
Case Sales
Gift Cards
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience crafting and repairing string instruments
- Our team includes graduates of the Chicago School of Violin Making
- We offer personalized instrument fitting and expert repair services
- Specialists in both modern and Baroque period instrument construction
- Collaborate directly with musicians for custom instrument projects
What people say
First class
Appreciated the time
Masterful restoration
Played by professionals
Quality instruments
Services
Violin Repair
Our expert violin makers provide comprehensive repair services for string instruments. From simple seam-gluing to complex structural fixes, we use traditional techniques to restore playability and value. Each repair maintains the instrument's original character while ensuring modern performance standards.
Custom Instruments
Crafting bespoke string instruments using time-honored methods. We create violins, violas, and cellos modeled after historic masterpieces, tailored to individual players' technical and tonal preferences. All instruments receive professional setup and adjustment prior to sale.
Instrument Rentals
Affordable rental program for beginning to advancing musicians. Includes quality instruments with cases, bows, and rosin. Monthly payments apply toward purchase credit, with hassle-free size upgrades available as students progress through their musical journey.
Electric Instruments
Specialized selection of electrified string instruments for contemporary musicians. Featuring trusted brands and custom setups for optimal amplified performance in rock, jazz, and folk settings. Our team provides expert recommendations based on playing style and sound requirements.
Restoration
Preservation of historic string instruments through meticulous restoration. Our specialists handle valuable pieces with archival techniques, maintaining original materials while restoring functionality. This includes complex work like neck grafts and period-accurate finish repairs for vintage instruments.
People
Peter Seman
Founder
Peter established Seman Violins in 1989 after graduating from the Chicago School of Violin Making. With a background in traditional Bluegrass and Gypsy Jazz, he brings musical insight to instrument crafting. His passion for string instruments continues to shape the shop's direction.
Noah Scott
Violin Maker
Joining in 2006, Noah specializes in violins and violas while studying period instruments. He received the 2021 Distinguished Service Award from the Illinois Chapter of the American String Teacher Association for his community work. His instruments serve musicians across multiple continents.
Heeyoung Kang
Master Luthier
Heeyoung has worked with rare instruments since joining in 1993. His repair expertise includes Stradivari and Guarneri models. Notably restored David Pankratz's broken viola neck, earning acclaim from Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians. Combines technical precision with artistic craftsmanship in instrument building.
Daniella Appel
Violin Maker
Graduate of the Chicago School of Violin Making (2012), Daniella combines classical training with practical luthiery. She works on multiple instrument models while balancing family commitments. Her musical background informs instrument adjustments for optimal playability and sound quality.
Benjamin Arnett
Violin Maker
Ben's journey began with childhood fascination for a decorative violin. After music studies at Oklahoma City University, he graduated from the Chicago School of Violin Making in 2015. Specializes in Amati-patterned instruments and explores potential family connections to Will Arnett.
Questions
Do you carry both modern and vintage instruments?
Yes, we maintain a curated selection of both modern and vintage string instruments across all price points.
Can rental payments apply toward purchase?
Yes, a majority of each rental payment contributes toward future instrument purchases.
Do you offer repair services for older instruments?
Our specialists handle both modern and historic instrument repairs, including valuable antique pieces.
Are appointments required for repairs?
Most repairs don't require appointments, except for tonal adjustments which involve collaborative work.
Do you sell accessories and cases?
Yes, we carry a comprehensive selection of cases, bows, rosin, and other accessories for string musicians.
Can I exchange rental instruments?
Yes, our program offers hassle-free exchanges with no waiting periods or additional fees.
Reviews (5)
Kelyn Oregon
Apr 16, 2022
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I fell in love with charm of a the small town music store. Hearing the quiet sounds workshop. Hearing the shop associates helping customers. Exactly how every business needs to be run with compassion and knowledge. Noah was great at making my daughter feel at ease picking out her first violin. He made sure to listen to her and gave her all the time she needed. We look forward to future visits.
Scarlett S.
Apr 15, 2022
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I cannot say enough nice things about this shop and their staff. I highly recommend them for anyone looking for a beautiful and well crafted string instrument! During the most recent COVID surge our high risk family was forced back into isolation for over a month, during this time my daughter had several orchestra auditions for the music programs she was applying for, not being able to go to school and practice we were desperately looking for a solution to find her an instrument for practice and audition use. Noah made our rental process so incredibly easy!
They were incredibly sympathetic to our unique issue and even with the short notice were able to provide a stand up bass and bow at an incredibly reasonable price. We are so incredibly grateful to their generosity and help in what felt like an impossible situation. We will absolutely be using them for any future instrument needs as our daughter transitions into high school orchestra! Thank you again!
They were incredibly sympathetic to our unique issue and even with the short notice were able to provide a stand up bass and bow at an incredibly reasonable price. We are so incredibly grateful to their generosity and help in what felt like an impossible situation. We will absolutely be using them for any future instrument needs as our daughter transitions into high school orchestra! Thank you again!
Jacob Jamrozik
Jun 15, 2021
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I had a productive and easy experience with Seman Violins. Noah Scott, an enthusiastic violin maker, helped me through the process of buying a violin and gave me some ideal pricing options for the violins I was trying out. For sure the best shop I had visited within a 75 mile radius of home.
Jacqueline Z.
May 26, 2021
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This crew fixed a botched repair on my beloved violin. They are honest and empathetic when delivering less than ideal news. Then, they exceed your expectations! I absolutely thrust Seman Violins, and that is invaluable. Thank-you!
Christopher Bartlett
Apr 19, 2021
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I've had two interactions with this place. Both have been incredibly positive, efficient, and the things I have purchased have been a good value and have worked out for me. This is a great place for musicians to come to.
