Business Details
50 Years
experience
Trusted String Instrument Specialists in Portland
Established in 1976, David Kerr Violin Shop has built a reputation as a trusted authority in string instrument sales, repair, and education. Our team of certified luthiers and bowmakers brings decades of combined experience to every service we offer, from meticulous restoration of Baroque instruments to expert appraisals and personalized rental programs. We maintain a curated selection of violins, violas, cellos, and bows spanning historical and modern craftsmanship. Our commitment to musical excellence extends through educational initiatives like The Luthier's Library and partnerships with regional orchestras. With a focus on both preservation and innovation, we serve professional musicians, students, and collectors nationwide. Our repair department handles everything from minor adjustments to complex restorations, supported by a trial period policy that ensures perfect instrument matching.As co-founders of The Luthier's Library and contributors to publications like The Strad, we combine technical expertise with scholarly dedication. Our staff includes graduates of prestigious institutions like Oberlin Conservatory and the Violin Making School of America, ensuring every client receives guidance grounded in both artistry and technical mastery. We maintain strict quality control through documented appraisal processes and archival records of all transactions. Our facility in Portland, Oregon, operates by appointment to provide focused, personalized service while maintaining a welcoming environment for musical exploration.
Services
Violin Sales
Bow Restoration
Instrument Appraisals
String Rentals
Baroque Instrument Repair
Trade-In Program
Certificate Authentication
Trial Period Service
Musical Education Resources
Instrument Shipping
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of specialized string instrument expertise
- Our team includes graduates of Oberlin Conservatory and Violin Making School of America
- We provide documented appraisal services with photographic records
- Our trial period policy allows instrument testing before purchase
- We maintain The Luthier's Library for ongoing educational resources
Services
Violin Sales
We offer a curated selection of violins ranging from student models to rare Baroque instruments. Each instrument undergoes professional setup and evaluation. Our experts help musicians find instruments matching their skill level and musical needs.
Bow Restoration
Specialized bow restoration services address hair replacement, tip plate repair, and structural reinforcement. Our certified bowmakers use traditional techniques to preserve instrument integrity while optimizing playability for professional musicians.
Instrument Appraisals
Professional appraisal services include detailed condition analysis, provenance research, and market valuation. We provide documented certificates for insurance purposes, with photographic records archived for future reference and authentication.
String Rentals
Flexible rental programs accommodate students and professionals with short-term and long-term needs. Our maintained inventory includes full-size and fractional instruments with regular maintenance included in rental agreements.
Baroque Instrument Repair
Specialized restoration of Baroque-era instruments preserves historical authenticity while ensuring playability. Our luthiers employ period-appropriate materials and techniques for structural repairs and varnish restoration on antique instruments.
People
David Kerr
Owner
Established the shop in 1976 and co-founded The Luthier's Library. Violin maker and Portland Baroque Orchestra founding member with 45+ years of industry experience.
Don Overstreet
Instrument Repair
Violin Making School of America graduate since 1982. Specializes in traditional restoration techniques with 20+ years of service at the shop.
Jenelle Steele
Bow Repair
Expert bow restorer with publications in The Strad. Former Triangle Strings technician and Oberlin Bow Program coordinator with specialized training from Violin Making School of America.
Esther Shim
Sales
Violin performance graduate from DePauw University. Active performer with Oregon Symphony and Northwest Piano Trio, providing practical sales expertise to musicians.
Darian Todd
Rental Manager
Professional violist and educator with 15+ years of teaching experience. Manages rental program logistics while maintaining private instruction practice in Portland.
Questions
What types of instruments do you sell?
We offer violins, violas, cellos, and bows spanning Baroque, Classical, and modern instruments. Our inventory includes student models through professional-grade instruments.
Do you provide instrument repair services?
Yes, our certified luthiers handle everything from minor adjustments to complex restorations. We specialize in both modern and historical instrument repair techniques.
Can I rent an instrument?
We offer comprehensive rental programs for violins, violas, and cellos with flexible terms for students and professionals needing short or long-term use.
How do appraisals work?
We provide written appraisals with photographic documentation for insurance purposes. Verbal estimates are free, while detailed appraisals require in-person evaluation of the instrument.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards for purchases and services. Payment plans are available for high-value instrument acquisitions.
Do you offer trade-in options?
Yes, we offer full trade-in value for instruments purchased from us. We deduct standard costs for strings or rehair when trading instruments or bows.
