In 1999 Christopher Reuning found a workshop capable of making exceptionally beautiful handmade violins, violas, and cellos in varying sizes. These instruments are made for us according to our ideas of model, workmanship and dimensions at a modest price.

The Charles D. Copley instruments are crafted for us “in the white” and are the finished and varnished by our varnish specialist, Patricia Reuning. We use a soft oil varnish of a reddish brown color that is then gently antiqued to give it the lustrous appearance of a one hundred year old instrument. These instruments are built on a Stradivari and Guarneri “del Gesù” model, and possess a sound that is both sonorous and projecting.

Over five hundred happy customers will agree that Copleys are the best looking and finest sounding violins, violas, and cellos in their price range. We invite you to see and hear for yourself!

In 2010, we discovered a luthier able to produce handmade violins from aged European hardwoods at the highest level of craftmanship we have ever seen from a modern Chinese workshop. We decided that we couldn’t resist being able to offer such quality violins to our customers.

Produced by one maker in very limited quantities, they are made for us “in the white” and then varnished and set-up in our own shop exclusively by master luthier John Dailey.

They possess a sound surprisingly open and rich, and they have proven time and time again that they can outclass violins with much larger price tags. Priced at only $4,500, they are one of the great values of the violin world.

(Availability can be limited. Wait list may apply).

A number of years ago Reuning & Son Violins was privileged to handle and sell the 1731 “Ex Messeas” Guarneri “del Gesù” ‘cello. This extraordinary instrument, which is the only cello built by “del Gesù”, lived its last years in Boston in the care of a distinguished cellist. It was immediately apparent to us that its form and workmanship style made this the epitome of ‘cellos. We needed only to find a maker capable of following the workmanship concepts and tool artifacts in the style of “del Gesù.”

In 1999 Christopher Reuning discovered that talent in Nathan Slobodkin, a maker from Maine, who was quite experienced as a cello maker and had the training and background required to make cellos of the highest level. We worked closely with Nate to perfect the cellos and went to great pains to find wood that would be just like the original masterpiece. The beautiful red- brown varnish is applied by Patricia Reuning, our varnish specialist. We believe these cellos to be amongst the best instruments available anywhere. They boast a broad sound with ample reserve, combined with a rich palette of colors and instant responsiveness. Enthusiastic buyers attest to the tonal capabilities of these wonderful cellos.

Over the last decade nearly 70 instruments have been placed with leading cellists in orchestras, conservatories and chamber ensembles throughout the world. The Slobodkin cellos have proven themselves as truly exceptional musical instruments!

In 1999 Christopher Reuning found a workshop capable of making exceptionally beautiful handmade violins, violas, and cellos in varying sizes. These instruments are made for us according to our ideas of model, workmanship and dimensions at a modest price.

The Charles D. Copley instruments are crafted for us “in the white” and are the finished and varnished by our varnish specialist, Patricia Reuning. We use a soft oil varnish of a reddish brown color that is then gently antiqued to give it the lustrous appearance of a one hundred year old instrument. These instruments are built on a Stradivari and Guarneri “del Gesù” model, and possess a sound that is both sonorous and projecting.

Over five hundred happy customers will agree that Copleys are the best looking and finest sounding violins, violas, and cellos in their price range. We invite you to see and hear for yourself!

In 1999 Christopher Reuning found a workshop capable of making exceptionally beautiful handmade violins, violas, and cellos in varying sizes. These instruments are made for us according to our ideas of model, workmanship and dimensions at a modest price.

The Charles D. Copley instruments are crafted for us “in the white” and are the finished and varnished by our varnish specialist, Patricia Reuning. We use a soft oil varnish of a reddish brown color that is then gently antiqued to give it the lustrous appearance of a one hundred year old instrument. These instruments are built on a Stradivari and Guarneri “del Gesù” model, and possess a sound that is both sonorous and projecting.

Over five hundred happy customers will agree that Copleys are the best looking and finest sounding violins, violas, and cellos in their price range. We invite you to see and hear for yourself!

W.E. Hill & Sons made a tremendous contribution to English bow making. When Samuel Allen was hired for the firm’s new workshop in the 1880s, he was responsible for setting the high standards that continued for more than a century. His early, personal work, however, stands above the later work that came from the shop.

We are proud to offer this remarkable example from, arguably, Britain’s greatest bow maker.

We are proud to offer our customers bows by Noel Burke, one of the finest makers working today. Early in his career, he apprenticed with Charles Espey in Seattle followed by a two-year apprenticeship with Stephane Thomachot in Paris.

He has won countless awards internationally and now creates masterpieces of the bow-making art from his workshop in Ireland.

Born in Mirecourt and the son of a violin maker, Victor Francois Fetique apprenticed with Sigisbert F. Maline, Charles C. Husson, and Charles N. Bazin. He then worked for the well known Parisian firm of Caressa & Francais for twelve years before opening his own atelier in Paris in 1913.

Through the years, his ability developed and his reputation grew to the point that he was awarded in 1927 the title of “Un des meilleurs ouvriers de France” (One of the greatest craftsmen in France).

This first rate example of Fetique’s work offers premium playability for the professional performer.

Victor Thomassin is less well known than other members of his family, but there is no doubt his bows stand up to the family name. Born in Mirecourt in 1859, it is likely that he apprenticed with Charles N. Bazin before moving to Paris. In 1900, he left Paris for London where he spent the rest of his career making bows for various firms.

He made this copy of a bow by the great English maker James Tubbs, and it bears a facsimile of Tubbs’ brand.

Johannes Siegfried Finkel represents the second generation of this important Swiss bow-making family. He learned the craft from his father, Siegfried, and spent his early career working internationally at highly regarded shops such as J & A Beare in London, Hans Weisshaar in Los Angeles, and William Moennig & Son in Philadelphia. In 1974, he returned to Switzerland and to the family business. In 1992, he took a management role with the firm.

This bow, with its beautiful gold and tortoiseshell mounting, is an especially fine work from this respected bow maker.