Celebrating our 25th Year! At StringWorks, we have been operating for nearly three decades as a small family-owned shop. Each member of our staff has decades of experience playing and servicing stringed instruments, and we're most known for our world class customer service that makes our customers feel at home. Most of our customers remain customers for life, and we hope you are the next in our long line of happy StringWorks string players! We complete the highest quality professional setup on all instruments sold through our online violin shop.
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At StringWorks, we believe that every player should have access to the highest quality professional instrument setup - the StringWorks Setup - and the highest quality instruments at their level of performance. A family-run founded in Wisconsin and now headquartered in Geneva, Illinois, we are confident that other companies simply can't compete on instrument quality and value - so confident we guarantee it!
Whatever your age or skill level, finding the right violin is essential for your growth as a musician. If your violin is comfortable and easy to play, you'll be more likely to practice frequently and stick with it. A good beginner violin has many of the same qualities as any good instrument, including a high-quality set up that provides easy playability, forgiving response, and good resonance.
A good violin for a player at any level is one that speaks to you and matches your playing style and preferences. It should feel natural and easy to play, while offering an expressive tonal range. For intermediate violinists, an entry level violin might not make the best sense. If you're a growing player, you may physically outgrow your instrument but require a higher level of complexity and resonance than our Crescendo and Artist have to offer to continue developing your skills.We have intermediate fractional violins for those younger violinists.
At StringWorks, we believe each professional-level violin should be a masterpiece, providing limitless potential and dynamic range. Even a novice violinist can hear the difference between a high-quality professional violin and a beginner or intermediate instrument. Your violin should help you sound your best, challenge the limits of your technique and reward your successful application of it, and that's just what a professional-level violin will do.Every violin we sell is hand-selected by our expert team.
Reviews (15)
Jeffrey Carlson
Mar 28, 2022
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
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
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
Bevelyn Wardford
Sep 16, 2021
Over a year ago I called StringWorks and talked with Evan and expressed after more than 50 years and the COVID pandemic, I desired to rekindle the love of the Violin and planned to take virtual violin lessons. Evan was very encouraging, pleasant and supportive of the idea. I rented a StringWorks Violin and knew that playing the violin during the pandemic was a wonderful art to once again do.
The incentive given by StringWorks that if I later decided to purchase the instrument that I could apply a portion of the rental cost to the purchase of owning the instrument. As a gift my nephew surprised me with my personally owned StringWorks instrument which I once rented had now become my own! I live in Michigan and I was so impressed with the telephone conversation and the transaction of renting my instrument and the incentive to become owner of the violin.
Two months later, I decided to upgrade my violin playing experience. I travelled more than four hours and would do it again in a couple of years, the experience given by Evan and his assistant was phenomenal and I was A-1 service the showcase room and the selection of instruments and bows was amazing and I was allowed to make a decision based on my hands on and quality of sound that pleased my ears.
I was able to apply my gifted violin to the purchase of an upgraded violin and bow and I feel that after more lessons I will be able to apply for the symphony. (please smile). 5 Stars to Evan and his assistant, I am truly satisfied with the experience that was afforded me and look forward to seeing you again when I upgrade to another level of beautiful music produced by way of StringWorks Musical Instrument.
The incentive given by StringWorks that if I later decided to purchase the instrument that I could apply a portion of the rental cost to the purchase of owning the instrument. As a gift my nephew surprised me with my personally owned StringWorks instrument which I once rented had now become my own! I live in Michigan and I was so impressed with the telephone conversation and the transaction of renting my instrument and the incentive to become owner of the violin.
Two months later, I decided to upgrade my violin playing experience. I travelled more than four hours and would do it again in a couple of years, the experience given by Evan and his assistant was phenomenal and I was A-1 service the showcase room and the selection of instruments and bows was amazing and I was allowed to make a decision based on my hands on and quality of sound that pleased my ears.
I was able to apply my gifted violin to the purchase of an upgraded violin and bow and I feel that after more lessons I will be able to apply for the symphony. (please smile). 5 Stars to Evan and his assistant, I am truly satisfied with the experience that was afforded me and look forward to seeing you again when I upgrade to another level of beautiful music produced by way of StringWorks Musical Instrument.
Charlie Egan
Jul 25, 2021
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!
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!
Stephen Hornback
Jul 16, 2021
Very friendly people. Very knowledgeable. We moved from out of state and never had our daughters cello properly set up. It did sound great. They were very friendly over the phone and very helpful. We drove from 55 minutes away. They were very upfront about cost. We had them fix the cello and set it up in just a few day. The cello sounds like a totally different and high end instrument now. Thank you.
Brant Fessett
Apr 15, 2021
Rusty Welch
Mar 20, 2021
Truly one of the best customer experiences I have ever had. From the CEO down, they worked extra to ensure that we received our instrument when we needed it. We bought the 'base model', which is better quality and richer sound than any one I rented when I played as a child. If we ever so want to move up to a more expensive model, they have a phenomenal upgrade package that credits the full price of our current model towards our first upgrade - not that we will need that any time soon. I couldn't be happier with the instrument or the service from StringWorks - highest recommendation!
Leah Fisk
Feb 06, 2021
Just wanted to post an update on the Kallo Bartok I received in January. The tone changes every month. It becomes richer and the overtones on this thing are wonderful. The director of our string group commented "give that thing another year and it is going to roar." Please tell Claude his work is phenomenal and the final adjustments completed by Stringworks made an amazing instrument. I may be purchasing a viola from you guys made by him in the near future.
Anne H.
Jan 19, 2020
These guys are the best! We are very lucky to have this shop in Geneva. Everyone who works there is so kind, repairs are quick and affordable, rentals are a breeze, and there are many beautiful instruments to drool over around the shop. They give wonderful, personal attention to everyone who comes in.
Jennifer N.
Apr 20, 2018
We came to StingWorks looking to rent a violin for my 5 year old. From the moment we walked in, the customer service we encountered was above & beyond. Evan is so knowledgable, patient, and kind. The team is very accommodating. Each time I have contacted the team, I receive a timely reply. Rental fees are very reasonable, and the team makes the process so easy. I recommend this shop to any local families looking to rent a string instrument! Such a wonderful place!
Leslie A.
Feb 18, 2017
StringWorks is absolutely wonderful. I took my daughter to 3 or 4 different stores looking for a cello, StringWorks is by far the best. Evan spent a lot of time helping my daughter find the sound that she loved. She played a number of cellos looking for just the right one. She was never pressured to go for a more expensive cello, she never even knew the price the instruments.
I cannot say enough about the process they use to help someone find just what they are looking for. It was a comfortable, no pressure experience. Once my daughter found the cello she liked, it got even better. Instead of having to buy the cello that moment, Evan let us take it home for a few days. This allowed my daughter to really play the cello.
We were also able to take it to her teacher so she could look at it and make suggestions. They truly had my daughters best interest at heart. They were just as invested in making sure she found the right cello as me. We will definitely be using StringWorks for all of our cello needs in the future.
I cannot say enough about the process they use to help someone find just what they are looking for. It was a comfortable, no pressure experience. Once my daughter found the cello she liked, it got even better. Instead of having to buy the cello that moment, Evan let us take it home for a few days. This allowed my daughter to really play the cello.
We were also able to take it to her teacher so she could look at it and make suggestions. They truly had my daughters best interest at heart. They were just as invested in making sure she found the right cello as me. We will definitely be using StringWorks for all of our cello needs in the future.
Susan S.
Sep 02, 2016
When it was time to upgrade my daughter's rental viola, I was intimidated at the prospect of assisting her in selecting something I knew nothing about. In researching online forums I happened to come across the name "Stringworks" with regularity but didn't pay much attention since it was an "online" business. Living in the Chicago area I knew I had many options for string shops and was reluctant to shop online.
Fast forward, in doing a google search for string shops in the area I stumbled across Stringworks in Geneva. I found out that this "online" store had just moved to Geneva from Wisconsin. My experience with Stringworks was so positive. First, they have an informative website. I knew before calling them what they have to offer, their business philosophy, and the like.
The staff all play stringed instruments so are very knowledgeable. Evan Lowery, the Vice President, is professional, approachable and friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and responsive to my emails. He has great people skills. There was no pressure whatsoever. They are transparent and explicitly state they do not provide undisclosed commissions to music teachers which I learned is still an unfortunate practice.
My daughter took home 2 violas to try for 2 weeks and selected the "Maestro" model which got a thumbs up from her teacher. If I lived out of the area, I would not hesitate to purchase an instrument online with them. They have lovely instruments for reasonable prices. They do repairs, etc.so I know my daughter's instrument will be in good hands. If you are a parent shopping for an instrument for your child, Stringworks should definitely be on your list of string shops to visit.
Fast forward, in doing a google search for string shops in the area I stumbled across Stringworks in Geneva. I found out that this "online" store had just moved to Geneva from Wisconsin. My experience with Stringworks was so positive. First, they have an informative website. I knew before calling them what they have to offer, their business philosophy, and the like.
The staff all play stringed instruments so are very knowledgeable. Evan Lowery, the Vice President, is professional, approachable and friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and responsive to my emails. He has great people skills. There was no pressure whatsoever. They are transparent and explicitly state they do not provide undisclosed commissions to music teachers which I learned is still an unfortunate practice.
My daughter took home 2 violas to try for 2 weeks and selected the "Maestro" model which got a thumbs up from her teacher. If I lived out of the area, I would not hesitate to purchase an instrument online with them. They have lovely instruments for reasonable prices. They do repairs, etc.so I know my daughter's instrument will be in good hands. If you are a parent shopping for an instrument for your child, Stringworks should definitely be on your list of string shops to visit.
Daniel M.
Dec 13, 2015
Great shop. Salesmen know what they're talking about. You want to make sure you're buying from a knowledgeable person and these people clearly know the business. As a new violinist it was clear they weren't trying to upsell me on anything. I ended up with a good entry level violin with a great bow. Couldn't be happier with the quality. Overall great experience.
