Business Details
36 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Montana's Premier String Instrument Experts
Kirk Violins was founded in 1990 by John and Janny Kirk, who have dedicated their careers to supporting musicians at every stage of their journey. With over 100 years of combined playing experience, we specialize in crafting, selling, and repairing high-quality string instruments while fostering musical education across Montana and beyond. Our community-focused approach ensures every customer receives personalized service tailored to their needs. Based in Billings, Montana, our reputation for excellence is built on decades of expertise in instrument sales, rentals, and meticulous restoration work. From beginner violins to professional-grade cellos, we provide instruments that match players' skill levels and aspirations.Our repair services, led by master luthier John Kirk, address everything from routine maintenance to complex restorations, ensuring instruments perform at their peak. We also offer comprehensive bow rehair services with a proven track record of thousands completed. As passionate advocates for music education, we actively support local schools and aspiring musicians through rentals and consultations. Our physical store in Billings serves as a hub for Montana's musical community, while our shipping services extend our expertise nationwide. Whether you're seeking an instrument, needing repairs, or looking for guidance, Kirk Violins combines generational knowledge with unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction.
Services
Violin Sales
Violin Repairs
Bow Rehairs
Instrument Rentals
Restoration Services
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 100+ years combined playing experience in string instrument expertise
- Our community-focused approach supports Montana's musical education initiatives
- Master luthier John Kirk has completed thousands of bow rehairs
- Comprehensive repair services cover everything from routine maintenance to restorations
- We provide nationwide shipping with insured, professional instrument handling
Services
Violin Sales
We offer premium violins, violas, and cellos for musicians at every skill level. Our curated collection features instruments crafted with traditional techniques and modern precision. Whether you're a beginner seeking your first violin or a professional needing a concert-grade instrument, our experts help match you with the perfect choice while ensuring exceptional tonal quality and playability.
Violin Repairs
Our repair services restore string instruments to optimal performance condition. Covering everything from minor adjustments to major structural fixes, our luthiers use time-tested methods to address cracks, peg issues, and sound post adjustments. We combine technical expertise with artistic sensitivity to preserve each instrument's unique character and acoustic properties during every repair process.
Bow Rehairs
Professional bow rehairs ensure consistent tone quality and playability. Our technicians use premium horsehair and follow meticulous rehairing procedures to maintain proper tension and balance. With over 5,000 completed rehairs, we understand the precise specifications required for different bow types while providing care instructions to maximize each bow's lifespan between maintenance cycles.
Instrument Rentals
Our rental program provides quality instruments for students and temporary needs. Featuring well-maintained violins, violas, and cellos, our rental fleet accommodates various skill levels and budgets. The program includes maintenance support and upgrade options, making it ideal for beginners testing their commitment or musicians needing temporary replacements during instrument repairs.
Restoration Services
We specialize in restoring vintage and damaged instruments to their original glory. Our comprehensive restoration process addresses structural integrity, cosmetic refinishing, and tonal enhancement while preserving historical authenticity. Utilizing traditional varnishing techniques and precise woodwork, we revive instruments' playability and aesthetic value through careful assessment and methodical execution of each restoration project.
People
John Kirk
Luthier, Owner
Master luthier John Kirk brings decades of experience crafting and repairing string instruments. With over 5,000 bow rehairs completed, his meticulous work preserves instrument heritage while enhancing performance. His expertise spans traditional construction techniques and modern restoration methods.
Janny Kirk
Retail Store Manager, Owner
Janny Kirk manages retail operations with deep understanding of musicians' needs. Together with John since 1990, she ensures customer satisfaction through personalized service and product expertise. Her retail leadership supports Montana's musical community through instrument access and education initiatives.
Questions
What are your store hours?
We're open Tuesday-Friday 12:00-18:00. Closed Saturday-Monday. Summer hours run noon-5 PM until school resumes.
Do you offer instrument repair services?
Yes, we provide comprehensive repairs including bow rehairs, sound post adjustments, and structural restorations using traditional methods.
How much does a bow rehair cost?
Our standard bow rehair service costs $95. Shipping fees apply for remote customers, with roundtrip shipping starting at $80.
Do you rent instruments?
Yes, we offer quality instrument rentals with maintenance support included. This includes regular bow rehairs as needed.
Do you serve areas outside Montana?
While based in Billings, we provide shipping services nationwide for instrument repairs and rehairs.