Violin Services
I supply a wide range of stringed instrument services. I make, repair, restore, set-up, and sell violins, violas, and cellos. Through the proper training and experience all of these things can be properly accomplished.
Set-up
The proper set-up on an instrument can make all the difference in the world in the instruments performing capability. The standard set-up process involves the bridge, sound post, strings, and making sure everything on the instrument is put in the proper position to allow for the best possible sound from your particular instrument.
Instrument making
All of my personal instruments are handmade with minimal machinery. I start from a block of wood and hand sculpt the instrument from start to finish. I only use the best flamed maple and all of my instruments are made from aged wood to maximize its lifetime. Instruments that are properly built have the ability to last well beyond any of our lifetimes many times over.
Restoration
Some instruments need more than just your average repair jobs - especially older violins that have been around for centuries. There are a very wide variety of restoration jobs that can sometimes take up to a year depending on how great the damage. I have restored instruments that were hundreds of years old and seemed incapable of ever being able to be played on again. Some of the major restoration jobs that I have done include crack repair, varnish retouch, sound post patches, button patches, block replacement, new bass bars, new pegs, neck graft, and shortening of the ribs to gain the proper overhang. In addition to the repairs I have already listed, there are many other repairs that fit into these categories to bring an old instrument back to life.
Rentals
Invest in your potential and select from a unique variety of instruments made of superior quality and craftsmanship. You will be given the opportunity to enhance your rental experience by working closely to hand select the instrument that best suits your skill level and preference that won’t restrict your talents. All rental instruments are expertly adjusted for optimal tone and playability with greater value than less expensive imitations that require frequent repairs. Hand select your rental today and play on an instrument that doesn't look or sound like any other rental in the room!
Testimonial:
Joe's adjustments bring the best qualities out of my violin, and his instruments boast the power and tone quality that you find in far more expensive offerings.
~ Todd F. Sullivan
Testimonial:
Joe initially did some adjustments on one of my violins and the sound just blossomed after that. It was really quite amazing! Now I had another old time fiddle that was a wall ornament for over 40 years but had close family connections. I took it to Joe and said “work your magic” and he did! He took the instrument completely apart, fixed numerous open seams, earlier botched repairs from decades ago, and even put in a new bass bar and now I have this beautiful mellow sounding fiddle. Thanks so much for restoring this treasured family heirloom to wonderful playing condition and making it a worthy of this professional’s use.
~ Charles Kadyk
Testimonial:
"I consider Joe McDevitt to be one of the best luthiers I know. His instruments have the power as well as offering a spectrum of tonal colors capable of satisfying the most discriminating players. He's a real Berks County gem!"
~ Christopher Collins Lee
How can we help you?
We are here to help you with all of your classical instrument needs. Contact us today if you would like more information about a particular instrument or service.
call: 484.824.4757
email: youngluthier@gmail.com