Violinmaking is not a dying art, but it is a rare one.
Violin luthiers who are fully trained, skilled, and experienced are artists who have spent years studying, analyzing, and practicing their craft to razor sharpness. They shun the spotlight, instead focusing their energies into the artisanship required in producing instruments and bows themselves.
We at Williams Fine Violins strive to serve customers who seek highly skilled, trained luthiers to work on their instruments and bows. In addition to our luthiers, our knowledgable and friendly sales staff is comprised of talented musicians and experienced teachers who are ready to help you with any instrument or accessory questions you may have. We are a committed, full-service team of specialists that truly care about you and your musical goals.
Shop History
After spending four years in violin making school and another year apprenticing, Dustin Williams moved his family to Nashville, Tennessee. His original intention was to use his skills as a luthier and violin maker to build violins, violas, cellos, and double basses and live a quiet life.
However, local musicians soon learned that a graduate of the esteemed Violin Making School of America had moved to middle Tennessee and he was asked to start doing repairs and fine instrument set-up in his home. Soon enough, the need for a larger brick-and-mortar store was evident. Dustin opened Williams fine Violins & Luthier Studios, LLC in June 2004 in his first location at 1103 16th Avenue South in the heart of Nashville’s Music Row neighborhood. With the help of his family and many other luthiers, the shop grew quickly. In four short years there was a need for a larger space. Williams Fine violins moved over to its second location, with four floors of work space and show space, at 1218 17th Avenue South in June 2008. The next ten years saw remarkable growth and Williams Fine Violins became the “go to” place for musicians from all over Middle Tennessee and the Southeast. After being in business for over fourteen years, Williams Fine Violins moved a third (and final) time into a new building, at 204 Donelson Pike, with over 7,000 square feet of work space, show space, six private lesson rooms, and a small recital hall.
We want to always be honest with you, treat you with respect, and we will work hard to earn your trust and loyalty.
Because we respect you and your instrument/bow, we offer a virtually limitless list of repair options. We give accurate estimates, and you have the final say on what is done. We work with your budget for the best possible options.
You are welcome to come in anytime to meet with us concerning your instrument or bow repairs. There is no need for an appointment. You are welcome to call ahead to verify availability of our luthiers.
Our clientele is as diverse as music itself. Here in Nashville we serve musicians of all styles of music; from jazz to classical, bluegrass to avant garde, porch fiddle players to Grand Ol’ Opry stars, to recording session players to professional symphonic musicians. As we frequently tell people, “Now it is not a question of who has come in, but who has not come in!”
At Williams Fine Violins & Luthier Studios, our Luthiers know violins, violas, cellos, double basses, and all bows like few others. A full service shop, we feature Tennessee’s largest selection of instruments in every price range, new and old instruments, in perfect working order, and adjusted to the highest standards. We understand the needs of our diverse clientele, which includes musicians whose talents, training, and interests range from Celtic to orchestral, from jazz to country, from pop to classical, and from back porch to recording studio. Our skilled team of luthiers can help you choose and maintain your perfect instrument.
