Business Details
37 Years
experience
Handcrafted String Instruments & Expert Repairs in Chicago
Since 1989, Seman Violins has been a trusted name in the craft of building, repairing, and restoring string instruments. Our team of professional violin makers, all graduates of the Chicago School of Violin Making, combines decades of experience with a deep understanding of musicians' needs. Specializing in violins, violas, cellos, and basses, we serve students and professionals alike, offering instruments that balance artistry with precision. Our repair and restoration services prioritize authenticity, returning instruments to their original condition with meticulous care. We also provide rental programs tailored to beginners and advancing musicians, ensuring accessibility to quality instruments. With a focus on personalized service, we match clients to instruments that align with their playing style and aspirations.Our expertise extends to electric and fretted instruments, reflecting our commitment to diverse musical genres. As musicians ourselves, we bridge the gap between craftsmanship and performance, ensuring every instrument meets rigorous standards. Located in Chicago, we serve the greater metropolitan area, maintaining a reputation for excellence built over 35 years. Our inventory changes regularly, allowing us to offer unique, handcrafted pieces that cater to evolving needs. Through events and community engagement, we foster a deeper connection between artists and their instruments, reinforcing our dedication to the musical arts.
Services
Violin Making
Repair & Restoration
Rentals
Electric Instruments
Fretted Instruments
Bow Sales
Cello Crafting
Bass Restoration
Instrument Appraisals
Tonal Adjustments
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in violin craftsmanship.
- Our team includes graduates of the Chicago School of Violin Making.
- We specialize in personalized instrument matching for musicians.
- Our repair services restore instruments to original condition.
- We offer rentals with purchase credit options.
What people say
Fantastic service
First class
Perfect sound
Masterful work
Superior performance
Services
Violin Making
We craft custom violins using traditional techniques and high-quality materials. Each instrument is tailored to the musician's playing style, ensuring optimal sound and playability. Our makers, trained at the Chicago School of Violin Making, focus on precision and artistry, creating instruments that meet professional standards while catering to individual preferences.
Repair & Restoration
Our repair services address everything from minor adjustments to full restorations. Specializing in vintage and damaged instruments, we use period-appropriate methods to preserve authenticity. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team ensures instruments regain their original condition and functionality without compromising historical integrity.
Rentals
We offer rental programs for students and advancing musicians, featuring high-quality instruments with flexible terms. Rentals include maintenance and insurance, and payments contribute to future purchases. Our setup ensures hassle-free exchanges and personalized fittings, making it easy for clients to access instruments suited to their skill level and needs.
Electric Instruments
Our electric instruments are selected for reliability and sound quality, catering to genres like rock, jazz, and bluegrass. We specialize in electrifying acoustic instruments, ensuring seamless integration of pickups and electronics. Each product is tested by our team to meet professional standards, providing musicians with dependable gear for live and studio performances.
Fretted Instruments
We curate modern and vintage fretted instruments, including guitars and mandolins, with meticulous setup for optimal playability. Our selection emphasizes sound quality and craftsmanship, appealing to diverse musical styles. Each instrument undergoes a detailed inspection to ensure it meets our standards for tone and durability.
People
Peter Seman
Founder
Peter founded Seman Violins in 1989 after graduating from the Chicago School of Violin Making. A self-taught violinist, he brings decades of experience in crafting instruments and a passion for preserving traditional techniques.
Noah Scott
Violin Maker
Noah has been with Seman Violins since 2006, specializing in violins and violas. He received the 2021 Distinguished Service Award from the Illinois Chapter of the American String Teacher Association and focuses on matching clients with ideal instruments.
Heeyoung Kang
Master Repair Specialist
Heeyoung, with Seman Violins since 1993, excels in restoring high-end instruments like Stradivari and Guarneri. His expertise in touch-up and neck grafts has earned acclaim from clients, including members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Drew Harding
Violin Maker
Drew joined the team in 2014 after graduating from the Chicago School of Violin Making. He specializes in repairs and also contributes to set design for the New Moon Opera Company, blending artistry with craftsmanship.
Daniella Appel
Violin Maker
Daniella, a graduate of the Chicago School of Violin Making, joined Seman Violins in 2014. Her background in music and dedication to crafting violins and violas reflect her commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Questions
What services does Seman Violins offer?
We offer violin making, repair, restoration, rentals, and sales of string instruments, including electric and fretted options.
Do you provide rental instruments for students?
Yes, our rental program includes violins, violas, cellos, and basses with purchase credit options and insurance.
Can you repair vintage instruments?
Yes, we specialize in restoring vintage instruments to their original condition using traditional methods and materials.
Are your instruments suitable for professionals?
Yes, our instruments are played by professionals worldwide, crafted to meet rigorous performance standards.
Do you offer personalized instrument fittings?
Yes, we provide customized selection and fitting to ensure each client finds the ideal instrument for their needs.
