Business Details
32 Years
experience
Handcrafted Violins, Violas & Cellos with Expert Repair & Rental Services
Gregory S Sapp Violins has been dedicated to the art of violin craftsmanship, repair, and customer service since 1994. Founded by Greg Sapp, a graduate of the Chicago School of Violin Making with over 25 years of experience in restoration and tonal adjustments, our business combines technical expertise with a deep passion for music. Our team, including Mary Ellen (Mel) Sapp, prioritizes personalized assistance for musicians and families, ensuring instruments look, sound, and feel exceptional. We operate a 3,000-square-foot retail space in Batavia, IL, offering sales, rentals, repairs, and a curated selection of accessories. Our rental program features handmade Kohr instruments, emphasizing quality and value, with flexible credit toward purchase.Gregs background in repairing historic instruments and his commitment to tonal excellence have earned national recognition. Mels expertise in customer service ensures a welcoming environment for players of all levels. We specialize in tonal adjustments, restorations, and providing educational resources, including sheet music and accessories. Our dedication to craftsmanship and client satisfaction has made us a trusted name in the stringed instrument community. With locations in Batavia and Chicago, we serve musicians across the Midwest and beyond.
Services
Violin Repairs
Instrument Rentals
Bow Sales
Tonal Adjustments
Sheet Music Sales
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of expertise in violin restoration and tonal adjustments.
- Our rental program provides high-quality handmade instruments with 40% credit toward purchase.
- Free string installation and competitive pricing on all accessories.
- Personalized customer service tailored to musicians and families.
- Nationwide reputation for repairing some of the world's finest stringed instruments.
What people say
BEST quality sound
Exceptional craftmanship
Generous accrual policy
Beautiful rich tone
Excellent customer service
Services
Violin Repairs
Specializing in violin, viola, and cello repairs with over 25 years of experience. Services include crack repairs, soundpost adjustments, and tonal enhancements using traditional techniques. Each repair preserves historical integrity while optimizing playability. Clients include professional musicians and dealers nationwide.
Instrument Rentals
Offering handmade Kohr Model K500 violins, violas, and cellos with premium setups. Rentals include carbon fiber or Brazilwood bows, cases, and accessories. Monthly rates start at $25 with 40% credit toward future purchases. Ideal for students seeking quality instruments without upfront costs.
Tonal Adjustments
Custom tonal adjustments to enhance an instrument's resonance and responsiveness. Greg Sapps expertise ensures optimal bridge and soundpost positioning, tailored to the musicians playing style. Improves projection and clarity for professional and student instruments alike.
Bow Sales
Selling and restoring premium violin, viola, and cello bows. Inventory includes E. Sartory, Pfretzschner, and modern carbon fiber options. Services cover rehairing, tip plate repairs, and tonal balancing. Bows are evaluated for balance, tension, and material integrity.
Sheet Music Sales
Curated selection of etudes, scales, method books, and ensemble works. Special orders available for rare or specialized sheet music. Partners with local teachers to stock required materials. Discounts offered for renters and frequent customers.
People
Gregory S. Sapp
Owner & Master Luthier
Greg Sapp graduated from the Chicago School of Violin Making in 1981 and has over 40 years of experience in instrument repair and craftsmanship. He worked at Kenneth Warren & Son before founding his own shop in 1994. Greg specializes in tonal adjustments and historic restorations.
Mary Ellen (Mel) Sapp
Co-Owner & Customer Service Director
Mel Sapp manages daily operations and customer relations at Gregory S Sapp Violins. With a background in finance and logistics, she ensures seamless service for renters and buyers. Her focus on client relationships has strengthened the businesss reputation for personalized support.
Questions
What makes your rental instruments different from other companies?
Our rental instruments are handmade, fully carved, and feature quality strings and setups, ensuring better sound and playability compared to cheaper alternatives.
Can I apply rental payments toward purchasing an instrument?
Yes, 40% of all rental payments (excluding insurance) can be applied toward purchasing any instrument we own, with no time limit.
Do you offer repair services for all skill levels?
Yes, we repair instruments for beginners to professionals, including tonal adjustments and restoration of historic violins, violas, and cellos.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Batavia, West Chicago, Chicago, and surrounding areas, with clients nationwide for repair and sales services.
Are financing options available for purchases?
Yes, we offer 0% financing on select instruments and accessories to help customers invest in quality instruments affordably.
What accessories do you carry?
We stock cases, strings, rosin, shoulder rests, and sheet music from brands like Dominant, D'Addario, and Larsen, with special orders available.
