Services

Drawing a bow across the strings of a newly created instrument for the first time is always a thrill. When I make a violin, viola, or cello, I take beautiful, carefully selected, and aged tone-wood, spend many long hours of careful work at my workbench, and use the insights I have gained from all of my years of experience to bring each new instrument to life. This experience includes:

Over 35 years as a violin maker
My years as a player

Firsthand study and knowledge of maintaining, repairing, and restoring instruments from the masters such as Stradivarius, Guarneri, Amati, Vuillaume, Testore, Lupot, Gemunder, and many others.
Examining and playing the fine collection of Stradivarius instruments, including many of the decorated instruments, at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC.
Examining and playing the instruments in the collection of the Library of Congress in Washington DC.
Maintenance and adjustment of some of the instruments in the collection of the National Music Museum in Vermillion, SD.
Closely working with many fine musicians: professionals, amateurs, and students.

I hope that you will take the opportunity to try one of my instruments. You can see and play some of my instruments at these locations.

Kurosawa Violins, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Chaconne Co, Ltd. Violins, Nagoya, Japan
Stradi Kanazawa Violins , Kanazawa Japan
Anna Clift & Associates, Northfield, Minnesota USA 507-413-3495 e-mail

Repair & Maintenance

To always sound your best, it is necessary to keep your instrument in its optimal condition. A healthy and happy violin will sound better and be easier to play. Whenever I work with an instrument, my first task is to do a comprehensive and thorough inspection. After that, I will show you what I find, recommend any repairs that may need to be done, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with a written estimate. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with, and maintaining instruments and bows for many fine musicians, including Jorja Fleezanas, Midori, Pinchas Zukerman, Lea Foli, and others. I have over 35 years of experience handling all types of repairs, and take great pride in making your instrument sound its best. With my knowledge and experience as a player and a maker/restorer, I can help you sound your best. Below are some of the more common and routine repairs, and not a complete list by any means.

Re-hair bow
Re-gluing
Dressing (shaving) the fingerboard
Replace the bridge
Replace or adjust the pegs
Repair cracks
Touch-up varnish
Replace or adjust the sound post

Adjustments

Sound adjustment on a violin, viola, or cello is impossible to describe in just a few words. Achieving the ideal balance for the best sound, response and feel for your instrument requires more than just moving the post around. During the sound adjustment, we will play, listen to, and talk about sound quality, response and feel of the instrument. Usually, the process of achieving the best from an instrument takes from 15 to 30 minutes.

Before the adjustment process can begin, the violin needs to be in good repair. The sound post must fit properly and the strings should be in good condition.
Both the owner and I will play the instrument briefly and then discuss the issues and goals for the sound and response of the instrument.
Next is the bridge position, moving it left or right, up or down, and/or straightening.
Sometimes other parts of the violin are addressed too (string length, tail piece, tail gut etc.).
Finally it is time to adjust the position of the sound post to bring out the best response and sound quality for the player.

Restoration

Sometimes an instrument reaches the point where routine repairs aren’t enough, because of accidental damage, prolonged use, or the effects of time, and it needs restoration. I have extensive experience in instrument restoration and over the years I have had the privilege of working on many extraordinary instruments of well known makers, including Testore, Gemunder, Lupot, Gigli, Hardie, and many others, covering all of the major historical schools of violin making: Italian, French, German, British, Flemish, and more.

The first step in any restoration is for me to do a full evaluation of the condition of your instrument, to show you my findings, to discuss options, and to answer any questions you may have. Then I will provide you with a complete written estimate, condition report, and photo documentation for the project. Finally, after you have all of the facts you can make informed decisions about your instrument restoration. I can also assist you in working with your insurance provider if necessary.

Consultation

There are times when you may need informed, objective, unbiased, and confidential advice about an instrument. Whether you have an instrument you are selling, buying, or a family heirloom for which you need information, I can help you. I have also given presentations on violin making, repair and restoration at places such as the Minnesota History Museum, music camps, schools and other organizations. You can contact me through the CONTACT tab at the top of this page.

Frank Davis Violins

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