Business Details
32 Years
experience
Trusted String Instrument Sales & Repair Services
Gregory S Sapp Violins has been a trusted name in the stringed instrument industry since 1994, founded by master violin maker and repairer Greg Sapp. Our expertise spans violin, viola, and cello sales, rentals, repairs, and tonal adjustments, supported by decades of combined experience. We prioritize craftsmanship and customer service, offering handmade instruments, premium accessories, and specialized repair work for musicians at all levels. Our team includes Mary Ellen Sapp, who brings extensive customer service and logistics experience to ensure seamless client interactions. With two Illinois locations in Batavia and Chicago, we serve local and national clients, providing personalized solutions for players, educators, and collectors. Our rental program features high-quality Kohr instruments with flexible credit toward purchase, while our repair services address everything from minor adjustments to historical restorations.We maintain partnerships with leading brands for strings, cases, and accessories, ensuring comprehensive support for string players. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our meticulous setup processes, including bridge and soundpost adjustments, to optimize each instrument's performance. Recognized for excellence by educators and musicians, we combine technical skill with a dedication to fostering musical growth. Whether you're a beginner, professional, or institutional client, our goal is to deliver instruments and services that enhance your musical journey through integrity, expertise, and personalized care.
Services
Violin Sales
Bow Repairs
Instrument Rentals
Tonal Adjustments
String Accessories
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of expertise in violin repair and tonal adjustments.
- Our rental program features handmade Kohr instruments with 40% credit toward purchase.
- We provide free string installation and expert setup for optimal playability.
- Our team includes certified repair specialists with historical restoration experience.
- We maintain partnerships with leading accessory brands for comprehensive musician support.
What people say
BEST quality sound
Hold their tune beautifully
Generous accrual policy
Expert repair services
Exceptional value
Services
Violin Sales
We offer handmade violins from renowned makers like E. Sartory and Pfretzschner, alongside modern instruments. Our inventory includes both historical and contemporary pieces, with expert guidance to help players find instruments matching their skill level and tonal preferences. Every violin undergoes professional setup to ensure optimal playability and sound quality.
Bow Repairs
Our specialists handle bow rehairing, tip replacements, and structural repairs using premium materials. We service both modern and antique bows, maintaining original craftsmanship while improving functionality. Clients receive detailed consultations about bow condition and maintenance requirements during each service visit.
Instrument Rentals
Our rental program features Johannes Kohr instruments with adjustable sizes for students. Each rental includes proper setup, insurance options, and 40% credit toward future purchases. We provide complete outfits with cases, bows, and rosin, ensuring beginners have everything needed to start playing effectively.
Tonal Adjustments
Greg Sapp specializes in bridge and soundpost adjustments to enhance instrument resonance. This service improves playability and tonal clarity through precise modifications tailored to each musician's playing style. We work directly with performers to achieve desired acoustic characteristics while maintaining structural integrity.
String Accessories
We stock premium strings from Dominant, D'Addario, and Larsen, along with cases, shoulder rests, and tuning equipment. Our accessories include specialized items like humidifiers and metronomes, with free string installation for purchases. Custom ordering options ensure musicians find specific tools needed for their practice and performance requirements.
People
Gregory S. Sapp
Master Violin Maker
Greg Sapp graduated from the Chicago School of Violin Making in 1981 and worked at Kenneth Warren & Son before establishing his own shop in 1994. He specializes in instrument repair, tonal adjustments, and historical restorations with over 40 years of industry experience.
Mary Ellen Sapp
Business Manager
Mel Sapp manages daily operations and customer service, leveraging her background in finance and logistics. She focuses on client education and ensuring positive experiences for musicians and families seeking string instrument solutions.
Questions
What types of instruments do you sell?
We sell violins, violas, and cellos ranging from student models to professional-grade instruments, including historical pieces and modern handmade options.
Do rental payments apply toward purchase?
Yes, 40% of all rental payments apply toward purchasing any instrument we sell, with no time limit on credit usage.
What repair services do you offer?
We provide complete repair and restoration services including crack repairs, revarnishing, tonal adjustments, and bow rehairing for all string instruments.
Are financing options available?
Yes, we offer 0% financing on select instruments and accessories to help musicians acquire quality equipment with flexible payment terms.
What locations do you serve?
We operate from two Illinois locations: our main store in Batavia and a repair studio in Chicago's classical music district.
Do you special order accessories?
Yes, we can special order any string instrument accessory or music-related item not currently in our inventory to meet specific customer needs.
