Business Details
Award-Winning Violin, Viola & Cello Maker in Ann Arbor
We are a globally recognized violin, viola, and cello maker with an unparalleled legacy of excellence in stringed instrument craftsmanship. Our founder, David Burgess, has won more international violin-making competitions than any living maker, earning recognition as a master whose instruments are celebrated for their tonal, artistic, and functional superiority. Designated 'hors concours' by the Violin Society of America and the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers, we are barred from competition due to acknowledged excellence. Our instruments reside in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian Museum and the Stradivari Museum in Cremona, Italy, underscoring our commitment to historical and artistic significance. We have served as judges at prestigious competitions in Cremona, Beijing, and Moscow, shaping the future of violin-making globally.Our expertise extends to teaching and program direction at Oberlin College, ensuring the transmission of traditional techniques to future generations. As members of elite organizations like the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers and the Entente Internationale Des Maitres Luthiers et Archetiers D'art, we uphold rigorous standards of craftsmanship. Featured in the Wall Street Journal, Strad magazine, and international media, our work is a benchmark for modern violin-making. We prioritize proper humidity and varnish techniques, ensuring instruments maintain their integrity and sound quality. Our dedication to transparency and integrity in the violin trade sets us apart, offering clients instruments that rival historic masterpieces like the 'Messiah' Stradivari in beauty and value.
Services
Violin Making
Viola Making
Cello Making
Instrument Repair
Varnish Services
Highlights and features
- We have won more international violin-making competitions than any living maker.
- Our instruments are in the Smithsonian Museum and Stradivari Museum collections.
- We are designated 'hors concours' by leading violin-making organizations.
- Our founder has judged at Cremona, Beijing, and Moscow competitions.
- We combine traditional techniques with modern innovations in varnish and humidity control.
What people say
Tonal excellence
Museum-worthy quality
Historical significance
Expert craftsmanship
Judicial recognition
Services
Violin Making
Crafting handcrafted violins to exacting standards, combining traditional techniques with modern acoustic research. Each instrument is designed for superior tonal quality and artistic finish, favored by professional musicians worldwide. Our violins are recognized for their competitive excellence and museum-worthy craftsmanship.
Viola Making
Creating bespoke violas with balanced resonance and projection, tailored to individual player preferences. Our violas are celebrated for their rich tonal characteristics and meticulous attention to detail. Each piece reflects centuries of luthier tradition adapted to contemporary performance needs.
Cello Making
Producing cellos renowned for their depth of sound and responsive playability. Our cellos undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet professional performance standards. Each instrument combines historical design principles with innovative material applications for optimal acoustic properties.
Varnish Services
Applying historically accurate varnish formulas to enhance instrument aesthetics and protect tonal integrity. Our varnish techniques replicate 18th-century methods while incorporating modern durability enhancements. This service preserves the instrument's visual and acoustic longevity through specialized chemical treatments.
Humidity Control
Providing humidity management solutions to maintain instrument structural stability. We educate clients on proper hygrometer use and environmental controls to prevent wood warping. Our systems ensure instruments retain their tonal consistency across varying climate conditions.
People
David Burgess
Master Violin Maker
David Burgess is a globally acclaimed violin maker with more international competition wins than any living maker. His instruments are in the Smithsonian and Stradivari Museums. He has judged at Cremona, Beijing, and Moscow competitions and teaches at Oberlin College. His work combines traditional craftsmanship with modern acoustic research.
Questions
What distinguishes Burgess violins from historic instruments like Stradivari's?
Our violins combine traditional techniques with modern acoustic research, achieving tonal quality that rivals historic masterpieces while maintaining contemporary playability standards.
Why are Burgess instruments featured in major museums?
Our instruments demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship and tonal merit, earning recognition as both functional musical tools and artistic achievements worthy of preservation alongside historical works.
How does the humidity control service benefit string instruments?
Proper humidity maintenance prevents wood warping and cracking, ensuring consistent tonal quality and structural integrity across different environmental conditions.
What expertise does David Burgess bring to violin-making competitions?
As both a record-breaking competitor and judge at international events, he applies unparalleled insight into contemporary standards and historical authenticity in instrument evaluation.
Can customers request custom specifications for instruments?
Yes, we offer bespoke options tailored to individual playing styles and aesthetic preferences while maintaining our rigorous quality benchmarks.
How does Burgess ensure varnish quality matches historical instruments?
We use chemically analyzed replicas of 18th-century varnish formulas, combining archival research with modern material science for optimal durability and appearance.
