ABOUT US
STRING HAUS is a newly established company (2026), partnering with luthiers in the Czech Republic to restore and offer master-quality string instruments to musicians. Our mission is centered on sourcing and rehabilitating valuable historical instruments, blending modern restoration techniques with the time-honored craftsmanship of previous generations.
We believe that the reputation of older string instruments tends to sit in an awkward middle ground – often due to misattribution given only to instruments by world-renowned masters (Stradivari, Guarneri, Stainer, etc). Therefore, we place importance on hand-crafted instruments that are not as common and that produce outstanding results in sound quality. Every instrument has the option of a certificate of appraisal.
“My mission is to bring attention to older string instruments that are meant to be played, not stored away in cases for decades until they are finally noticed.” – Benjamin Kotik, founder of STRING HAUS
LISTINGS
Our instruments are listed in three separate pricing categories:
Category A: $10,000+ (Click here to directly go to category A)
Category B: $4,500-10,000 (Click here to directly go to category B)
Category C: $1,000-4,500 (Click here to directly go to category C)
Our selection of bows are coming soon on our website.
Each listing has a description, measurements, sound demonstration, and pricing. To schedule a consultation, click below.
category a
JOHANNES EBERLE VIOLIN 1756
Eberle’s instruments are known for their unique blend of Stainer and Cremonese influences; higher arching and smooth transitions around the edges of the body of the instrument. These parameters allow for a darker, voila-like sound while also providing a highly bright and responsive sound in the upper register. In addition, Eberle’s instruments are distinct for their red-brown varnish, which over time can age into a golden-brown patina.
CAROLUS HELLMER VIOLIN 1765
Carolus Hellmer’s instruments closely resemble those of Eberle, reflecting influences from both Jacob Stainer and the Cremonese tradition. This particular violin is especially characteristic of Hellmer’s work in its scroll, which is deeply undercut and features a pronounced eye.Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this instrument is the presence of small circular carvings on the back plate, commonly referred to by Czech luthiers as švestková povidla (“plum jam”). These plum-like carvings can be seen on the treble side of the back plate. Hellmer’s varnish is generally darker than Eberle’s, displaying a rich orange-brown hue that has naturally matured over time into a deeper brown with subtle orange highlights.
JOSEF METELKA VIOLIN 1876
This violin is a late work by Josef Metelka, in which both Stainer and Cremonese influences are clearly evident. The beautifully carved scroll, particularly its refined eye, recalls the work of Prague masters such as Johannes Ulrich Eberle and Carolus Hellmer, while the arching is flatter, broad through the center, and gently descends toward the edges. This balanced arching is characteristic of many of the finest Czech makers of the period and contributes to the instrument’s excellent projection.
Jan veselý Viola da gamba
Hand-crafted 7-string viola da gamba by Jan Veselý. Amber finish, fitted with a combination of silver-wound and gut strings.
category B
Andreas Fischer violin 1865
Disclaimer: This instrument is currently unavailable until November 2026.
This instrument is one of the few known surviving works by Andreas Fischer, and possibly the only one preserved in this condition. The violin features a spruce front plate and a maple back plate, a typical combination used by Italian makers. This selection of materials contributes to both a lighter instrument and a rich tonal character, producing a round, dark sound in the lower register and a powerful upper register. The violin was restored—both body and fittings—by Petr Zdražil last year.
A. PAnkau violin 1905 [Glaesel and Herwig]
Disclaimer: This instrument is currently unavailable until November 2026.
A. Pankau was possibly a repairer of string instruments between the late 1800s/early 1900s, who most-likely completed the creation of this 4/4 violin. His autograph, as well as date of completion, are inside of the lower part of the back plate. In addition, a Glaesel and Herwig label is imprinted onto the back plate, suggesting that the wood of the instrument possibly originated in the 1870s. The violin’s sound is particularly resonant in the mid range (D and A strings). Restored by Petr Zdražil in Prague.
category C
Jul. Heinr. Zimmermann 1902
After moving from Germany to St. Petersburg in 1876, Zimmermann specialized in selling German-made musical instruments. His company eventually expanded throughout the Russian Empire and into parts of Europe, establishing branches in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Leipzig, London, and Riga. Although this instrument was not handcrafted by a renowned individual maker like the other instruments in our collection, its craftsmanship and tonal quality rival those of many violins made by celebrated luthiers. Numerous features indicate that it was built with exceptional precision and attention to detail. The varnish has a warm golden-brown to reddish-brown hue, and the scroll is finely carved with well-balanced proportions.
