Violin makers in New Orleans, LA

Qualification

violin maker, restorer

Service

trade, repair, restoration, leasing, accessories

Particularities

Founded by Frank Keller in 1975 as an instrument repair workshop for the Manhattan School district in Manhattan, Kansas, Keller Strings has developed to a full service violin shop in New Orleans. Frank's daughter Paula Keller Smith took over the business in 1990, and today she operates Keller Strings together with her husband John W. Smith, who is a restorer of stringed instruments himself.

The company sells violins, violas, cellos and upright basses alongside standard accessories including electronic and amplifying gear. Instruments on stock come from international manufacturers and master workshops, with offers suitable for beginners and advanced students. The Kellers have long time experience in rental and financing programs and offer the full range of repair and restoration services, from bow rehairing to fine tonal adjustments.

Qualification

violin maker, restorer

Service

repair, restoration

Particularities

Salvador Giardina started an early career as a jazz bass and guitar player when he got to know master luthier Manfred Trautmann – and realized that the violin maker's workshop was a more suitable place for him than smoke filled nightclubs. After his apprenticeship with Trautmann Sal Giardina established his own atelier for repair and restoration of stringed instruments, with some focus on guitar and bass, but a remarkable number of violins, cellos as well.

Qualification

violin maker

Service

repair, restoration

Particularities

William Schettler is a professional bass player with engagements as an Assistant Principal Double Bass in the Lousiana Philharmonic Orchestra and solo bass with the New York Symphonic Ensenble, who established himself among musicians as a part time luthier and expierienced repairer of stringed instruments.