McDonald String Instruments and Guitar Workshop
Violin, Viola, Cello & Guitar Repair • Custom Builds • Fine Restoration • Traditional Varnish
About the Workshop
Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition. Built on Engineering Precision.
McDonald String Instrument & Guitar Workshop is a full-service luthier studio specializing in violin-family instruments and guitars.
Operating under McDonald Creative Ventures LLC, the workshop combines traditional handcraft methods with a disciplined engineering mindset to deliver precise setups, tonal refinement, and long-term structural integrity.
From student instruments to professional restorations, each piece is treated with respect for sound, history, and playability.
Services include:
Structural repair & crack restoration
Neck resets & fingerboard work
Professional setups & tonal adjustment
Bow rehair & maintenance
Custom instrument design & builds
Traditional oil and spirit varnish work and sales
General instrument clean/polish/maintenance
Our Services
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🎻 STRING INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE
Bow Rehair
Professional bow rehair using quality horsehair. Frog, camber, and screw mechanism inspected during service.
Setup Adjustments
Bridge alignment
Soundpost adjustment
String replacement
Peg lubrication & fitting
Minor seam reglue
Fingerboard & Playability
Light fingerboard dressing
Nut adjustment
Action correction
🎸 GUITAR AND BASS MAINTENANCE
Basic Setup
Action adjustment
Truss rod adjustment
Saddle shaping
Intonation correction
Fret Maintenance
Minor fret leveling
Polishing
Nut slot adjustment
Structural Checkups
Brace inspection
Bridge stability check
Humidity-related seam inspection
🪕 Mandolin, Banjo & Ukulele Maintenance
(evaluation available upon request, essentially same as guitar above)
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Soundpost & bridge fitting
Crack repair & cleating
Neck resets
Fingerboard planing
Peg fitting
Bass bar replacement
Seam repairs
Full restoration work
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Structural crack repair
Neck resets
Fretwork & refrets
Nut & saddle fitting
Bracing repair
Setup & tonal optimization
Pick-up upgrade
Electrical wiring troubleshooting
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Each instrument is built using carefully selected tonewoods and traditional construction methods.
Available:
Custom violins & violas
Acoustic guitar builds
Electric guitar builds
Modern silent/practice instruments
Experimental tone designs
Experimental wood/layout/electricals
Commission builds available by consultation.
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Specializing in traditional oil and spirit varnish systems designed to enhance acoustic response while protecting the instrument.
Services include:
Full re-varnish (when appropriate)
French polish conservation work
Retouching & color matching
Historical finish replication
Traditional finishing methods. No shortcuts.
Instrument Sales
Select restored instruments and workshop builds are available periodically.
Student instruments (professionally setup)
Restored vintage instruments
Custom workshop builds
Bows & accessories
Inventory changes regularly.
Antique 19th-century violin with beautifully highly flamed maple, restored for playability, and featuring documented prior repair work dated 1900.
Antique Highly Flamed Violin — 19th Century
This antique violin from the 1800s is a striking example of old-world craftsmanship, distinguished by its beautifully highly flamed maple and mature character developed over more than a century of age. The dramatic flame across the back, ribs, and scroll gives the instrument a strong visual presence, while its age and construction reflect the charm and individuality collectors and players seek in historic instruments.
A particularly meaningful part of this violin’s history is evidence of an earlier repair completed by E. Babington in 1900, adding another documented layer to the instrument’s long working life. That detail offers a rare glimpse into its past and highlights that this violin was valued and maintained over generations.
Following careful restoration and repair, this instrument has been given renewed structural integrity while preserving its antique character. It remains a violin with history you can see in the wood, feel in the hand, and hear in its voice.
Discover the perfect blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and quiet practice. This hand-made quiet violin is purpose-built for musicians who want the feel and nuance of a traditional instrument—without the volume.
Designed for Precision. Built for Silence.
Designed for musicians who demand elegance, precision, and quiet performance, this hand-crafted quiet violin offers the tactile feel of a traditional instrument with a modern, minimalist build.
Shaped from solid acacia and maple, the violin features a rare integral fingerboard and body—a single unified structure that enhances stability, alignment, and playing comfort. The fitout of this violin consists of curly maple saddle, bridge, chinrest, and tuning pegs to create a unified artisan look. This innovative design eliminates the traditional resonance chamber, reducing acoustic volume while preserving the familiar response of a classical violin.
Discover the perfect blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and quiet practice. This hand-made quiet Classical Guitar is purpose-built for musicians who want the feel and nuance of a traditional instrument—without the volume.
Designed for Precision. Built for Silence.
Designed for musicians who demand elegance, precision, and quiet performance, this hand-crafted quiet Classical Guitar offers the tactile feel of a traditional instrument with a modern, minimalist build.
This instrument blends traditional luthiery with modern practicality. Built entirely by hand, each guitar is shaped with precision and intention, offering the feel and response of a fine classical guitar while remaining whisper-quiet for late-night practice, travel, or intimate creative sessions.
Experience the rich, soulful sounds of a handcrafted 6-string cigar box guitar. Built with quality materials like mahogany and spruce, this guitar delivers exceptional tone and unique style.
Handcrafted mahogany neck for a warm, resonant sound.
Unique cedar cigar box body providing a vintage aesthetic.
Spruce top for enhanced tone and crisp sound projection.
Bring soulful tunes and timeless aesthetics into your music room with this distinctive guitar. Whether you're a seasoned musician or an enthusiastic beginner, experience the joy of playing on a one-of-a-kind instrument.
Our Philosophy
A well-made instrument is not simply repaired — it is understood.
Every adjustment affects tone, response, and longevity. The goal is not cosmetic perfection, but structural integrity and musical excellence.
Traditional methods. Honest materials. Long-term thinking.
Hide Glue and traditional techniques, no shortcuts
Ready to discuss your instrument?
Schedule a consultation to evaluate repair options, restoration needs, or a custom build.
