Business Details
45 Years
experience
Trusted String Instruments & Luthier Services in Sugar Grove
Established in 1981, Austins Violin Shop has been a trusted provider of stringed instruments, accessories, and expert services for over four decades. Founded by Dana and Patricia Austin, our shop combines craftsmanship with personalized service, offering high-quality instruments for sale and rent, professional luthier repairs, and educational programs. Our team includes certified luthiers trained at the prestigious Chicago School of Violin Making, ensuring exceptional care for every instrument.We serve students, teachers, and musicians across the Chicagoland area, fostering long-term relationships through reliability and expertise. Our commitment to community is reflected in initiatives like the free Summer Music Jam program, which encourages student engagement through practice challenges and prizes. With a vast inventory of accessories, European-made rentals, and comprehensive repair services, we remain dedicated to supporting musical growth and preserving instrument heritage.
Services
Instrument Sales
Rental Programs
Luthier Repairs
Appraisals
Summer Music Jam
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer 40 years of expertise in stringed instruments and luthier services.
- Our certified luthiers graduated from the prestigious Chicago School of Violin Making.
- We provide a rental equity program allowing rent-to-own options.
- Our free Summer Music Jam encourages student practice with prizes and discounts.
- We combine small-business personalized service with a vast inventory of accessories.
What people say
Wonderful service
Excellent workmanship
Highest quality instruments
Free summer program
Expert appraisals
Services
Instrument Sales
We offer a wide selection of hand-crafted violins, violas, cellos, and basses for sale. Our inventory includes European-made instruments suited for beginners to professionals. Each instrument undergoes quality checks to ensure optimal playability and sound. Our experts help customers choose the perfect match for their skill level and musical goals.
Rental Programs
Our rental program provides high-quality instruments for students at all levels. Options include violins, violas, cellos, and basses with flexible terms. We offer rent-to-own opportunities through our Rental Equity program, allowing payments to apply toward future purchases while maintaining instrument care standards.
Luthier Repairs
Certified luthiers perform expert repairs for stringed instruments, including crack fixes, varnish restoration, and soundpost adjustments. We use traditional techniques learned at the Chicago School of Violin Making to restore damaged instruments. Loaner instruments are available during repair periods to ensure uninterrupted practice.
Appraisals
We provide written appraisals for insurance purposes and verbal evaluations for personal instruments. Our team, including experienced appraisers like Patricia Austin, assesses factors like craftsmanship, age, and condition. Services cover violins, bows, and other stringed instruments with detailed documentation when required.
Summer Music Jam
This free six-week program encourages students to maintain practice habits during summer breaks. Participants track practice hours across four skill levels to earn gift certificates and prizes. The program includes bonus challenges and a 30% discount on music books, fostering engagement through rewards and community interaction.
People
Dana Austin
Co-Owner
Co-founder Dana Austin studied violin making under Tschu Ho Lee at the Chicago School of Violin Making. With 40 years of experience, he specializes in crafting and repairing fine stringed instruments, contributing to the shop's reputation for excellence.
Patricia Austin
Owner
Co-founder Patricia Austin brings expertise in the Suzuki Method and business management. She leads appraisal consultations and oversees daily operations, ensuring personalized service while maintaining the shop's commitment to customer relationships.
Holly
Luthier
Holly is a certified luthier trained at the Chicago School of Violin Making. She specializes in French polishing, tonal adjustments, and structural repairs, applying traditional techniques to restore instruments to their optimal playing condition.
Honna
Instructor
Honna provides music instruction and supports educational programs. With expertise in stringed instruments, she helps students develop technical skills and musical expression through personalized teaching methods aligned with the shop's educational mission.
Melissa
Bookkeeper
Melissa manages financial operations, ensuring accurate billing and payment processing. Her administrative support contributes to the shop's efficient service delivery, allowing the team to focus on customer needs and instrument expertise.
Questions
What services does Austins Violin Shop offer?
We provide instrument sales, rentals, luthier repairs, appraisals, and educational programs like our free Summer Music Jam.
How long has the shop been in business?
Austins Violin Shop has served musicians since 1981, offering over 40 years of expertise in stringed instruments.
Do you offer instrument repair services?
Yes, our certified luthiers perform repairs including crack fixes, varnish restoration, and tonal adjustments using traditional techniques.
What is the Summer Music Jam program?
It's a free six-week practice challenge with prizes, encouraging students to maintain skills through summer with discounts and rewards.
Are rental instruments available for purchase?
Yes, our Rental Equity program allows payments to apply toward future purchases of rented violins, violas, cellos, and basses.
