"The examples of Joel Shewchuk's violins I have played and owned defy the typical characteristics of even the best of modern instruments. The superior qualities in all respects far exceed the present monetary value."

Steven Staryk

Former concertmaster: Chicago Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw

Professor Emeritus: University of Washington , Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto

 

 

"A week ago, for the first time, I put my hands on a Shewchuk violin, and have not been able to take my hands off since! The violin made a little journey from Phoenix, Arizona to Karlsruhe, Germany, directly into a Mendelssohn Octet rehearsal with my fellow professor colleagues from the University of Music, mostly playing themselves on fine valuable Italian and French instruments. The clarity and power of the Shewchuk violin impressed everybody around, and myself, I had a feeling of having an instrument in my hands that obeys to my commands and blends perfectly into the sound of the ensemble. Poetically spoken, it has a "honey and black velvet" sound in it. I really look forward to exploring this violin and I am curious about the further development in the sound after being played a while."

Nachum Erlich

Professor of Violin, University of Music, Karlsruhe, Germany

Artist in Residence, Heidelberg University, Germany

 

 

"I have to admit, I was skeptical upon hearing that I would receive a newly made American violin to try out. When I received the Guarnerius model violin, made by Mr. Shewchuk, it was a very aesthetically pleasing instrument. I was on a trip with the South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra at the time, in Ottawa for a Youth Orchestra Festival. When I first played the violin in the dorm rooms where we stayed, the sweet and gentle sound pleasantly filled my ears, and I could not put it down. I could not believe the tone this mere months-old instrument was producing. It was so easy to play; I even used it for the concert we presented only mere hours later. The first time I played the instrument for the rest of the kids in the orchestra was in the grand mezzanine of a building, whose name escapes my mind at the moment. The chatter died down and ears opened. The kids were astonished at the sound that was emanating from the instrument. I was asked many times as to the age and origin of the instrument. "New" and "American" seemed to be the words that they were least expecting. My good friend, a French horn player, even called it a "Super-violin."  I recently won a concerto competition and had the pleasure of playing Sibelius' violin concerto with an orchestra. The violin produced a spectacular tone and was highly praised by people in the audience. I couldn't have been happier with a Strad. Playing this violin has been a pleasure, and since I purchased it, it has increased in sound, value, and playability. This violin is worth a lot more than I bought it for, in my opinion."

Jeremy Buzash

Young Violinist from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

 

 

"I'm gladly surprised about all I get with Mr. Shewchuk when looking for a good luthier, he's not only a remarkable violin maker but also all that surrounds his work makes me feel like if I'm with a person that carries centuries of experience, and you can see it in all that he does."

Fausto de la Rosa

Orquesta Filarmonica de Sonora

 

 

"I am extremely impressed with the violins of Joel Shewchuk. His workmanship is first class and his attention to details is much appreciated. Unlike many modern violins that I have played, his violins have a warmth and core of sound that are totally refreshing. I would highly recommend his violins to the professional player and also the advanced student."

Ron Whaley

Violinist,  Phoenix Symphony Orchestra

 

 

"I have used a Joel Shewchuk violin in the Toronto Symphony for some time now.  The ease of response and rich sound make playing an enjoyable and rewarding experience.  Thanks, Joel!"   

Virginia Chen Wells

Violinist, Toronto Symphony Orchestra

 

 

"Joel has a definitive style that belongs to the Italian masters, the powerful yet rich sound of his violins is something I always try to find in a great violin. I strongly believe that Joel is one of the best violin makers of America and soon his instruments will be very much sought after."

Dimitri Lazarescu

Assistant Principal Second Violin, Phoenix Symphony Orchestra