As we have a small team we don't always have time to post instruments before they sell, so we have many more instruments available in our shop - please call or text 512-918-1863 to enquire!

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HOPF violin.  Made during WWI when the factory was placing the word “HOPE” on the the back stamp because of anti-semitism.  Made in Klingenthal by family that eventually ended up immigrating to Great Britain and Ireland.  Many of the “HOPE” violins are being played in Ireland to this day. This violin has the characteristic HOPF shape, and German varnish.  Re-graduated with a new bass-bar, end-blocks and neck.  Some top cracks and varnish repaired on the top.  Back and sides are original. The original neck had mechanical pegs and so had to be replaced.  It has been restored and plays wonderfully.  Clear loud tone, pleasing to the ear.  Auction prices on HOPF violins stamped HOPE have been between $1963.00- $6900.  Because of varnish on the top not being original this one is priced to sell at $1200.

Walter was born in a small mining town in Pennsylvania. He taught himself how to build violins in his 20’s as he couldn’t afford to purchase one but wanted to play. He made most of his violins in Dallas, Texas. His son still runs his father’s violin shop. Walter loved to try and make his violins sound good and experimented with many finishes and techniques.

This violin was made in 1967 and is authenticated by his son who remembers this violin being made when he was a small boy. It has a solid back and solid ebony fittings. It has the characteristic ebony inlay between the button and ribs which Walter did on many of his violins. This violin is in perfect condition; it's just beautiful. For more information on Walter please visit www.senkowviolins.com. This would make a great investment and a great violin for any player.

Description coming soon...

Fully Carved from maple and spruce aged 5 years, beautifully flamed with styled corners and ebony accents. This particular instrument sounds incredible, it is powerful and responsive. It has an adjustable bridge and upgraded endpin, a delight to play! 

Signed J.A. Gill, October 13th, 1905 on the neck button and on the bottom of the violin near the end button. Handmade with a hand-carved scroll and hand-scribed purfling; the varnish is original. Imported from Germany but signed and set up in Chicago as the date isn’t reversed. Lyon and Healy violins from around 1920 sell at auction for around $2,200. J.A Gill was likely the person who did the final set up once the instrument arrived in Chicago. The violin came without a fingerboard and no fittings so we fit a brand new ebony fingerboard and new rosewood fittings with ebony accents. We also rebuilt a broken corner and repaired a minor crack on the top. This violin is absolutely beautiful with a rich, bold, and deep sound. It has an easily playable dynamic range, very responsive and would suit any type of playing style. Come try it out and hear if you like it as much as we do! Includes a case and a bow. (Pictures coming soon)

Helmut Ellersieck was born in Rostock, Germany in 1886. At the age of 14 he began a violin apprenticeship under Ernest Kreul in Markneukirchen. In 1927 he immigrated to the US, eventually making his home in Los Angeles where he continues to make violins until 1956. This violin was made in October 1946, and is hand-signed by the maker. This violin has his characteristic stamps below the button and in several places inside the violin. It has a one piece back with original light amber finish, and ebony fittings. Large powerful sound, very well made. Great for a player or as an investment, as it will continue to increase in value due to the way the maker stamped his instruments.

Stunning wood with big flame that shifts in the light. Varnish was stripped when it came to us, so we reavarnished using a traditional german oil technique. Top plate was removed and new bass bar installed as it previously had an integrated bass bar. This is a technique where a bass bar shape is left attached to the wood of the top plate-- this is commonly seen in older German instruments but it doesn't resonate correctly so we installed a proper bass bar which I'm sure has added to the gorgeous sound of this viola. Sweet, balanced, strong and soulful - this would be a great instrument for any viola player but especially nice for anyone who has to stretch to play a 16" as this is a smaller scale viola - unusual for an older viola! Price includes a case and bow

This is an authentic Josef Klotz Violin from the late 1800’s: 1887-1899. Because of it’s long-scale body, the measurements date this instrument to pre-1900, the Made in Germany stamp on the label dates it after the Merchandise Marks Act of 1887. Starting in the mid 1700’s The Klotz family made instruments and taught many other families in the area the violin trade. Authentic Klotz violins have very distinctive corners and top/back graduation-style as well as the look of the f-holes and a saxon scroll. The font of the Klotz stamp on the back is set to an arc with a slightly offset Z.  These instruments sell on auction from $2,000-$5,000. This violin has a neck repair that was done here in the shop several years ago and is very solid; the instrument was set up and played on for years after the repair was done. As the repair was done in our shop, it is guaranteed. An amazing-sounding instrument with an incredibly rich history. Because of the neck repair we are asking $1,200 including a case and bow.

The Brückner Family started making instruments in Erfurt, Germany in 1860 and still makes them presently. Wilhelm Brückner lived from 1874 to 1929, he made this violin two years before he passed. This violin has the characteristic edges and workmanship of Brückner violins. The label is original and is dated 1927. It came to us with the varnish stripped, but with no cracks or structural problems. We have restored the varnish and now have a beautiful violin worth half of it’s original value. It has been fitted with new Wittner modern ebony mechanical pegs and at some point was serviced at Gailes’ Violin Shop in Rhode Island. These violins sell at auction for $7,000, but as it does not have original varnish we are asking $3,500.

Michael Achner cello. Dated 1764.  Well played cello. Great shape and wonderful tone for a 1/4 sized instrument.  Has all the characteristics that were troublesome for the Achner brothers, e.g.  high arches, thin tables,  narrow edges. This one has been lovingly kept, and has no top cracks, wonderful playing condition.  It does have a sound post patch on the back. Would be an ideal instrument for a student who has played a few years, and can care for a very old instrument well. Auction prices on cellos from this maker top $12,000.  This is a unique cello as it is fractional from the maker, more than likely was specially made for a young student.  Asking $3600.