On the secluded edge of Hillsborough Street, a non-distinct building stands with simple lettering on the windows that reads,'Violin Maker.' Through the windows the owner of the shop, John Montgomery, uses the sound of his carving wood as a rhythm, to create a cello. John Montgomery has been making violins, cellos, and violas in Raleigh for nearly thirty years and says the craft called to him.
While the art of making violins has been around for centuries, not much has changed.
"The craft of building the violin is fundamentally the same as it was in the 17th and 18th century," said Montgomery.
While the basic fundamentals of violin making is the same, the actual works of art are completely different.
"Every instrument is different, you won't find any one instrument that is exactly the same," explained Marshall Johnson. Johnson is a member of the North Carolina Symphony and has been with them for over 30 years. He has been playing one of Montgomery's violins since 1991 and says, "I think I got one of the best instruments he's ever made."
John Montgomery isn't worried about his craft disappearing any time soon, and credits the fact that it has been around for almost 400 years as a good example.
"The day they quit teaching music in kindergarten, is the day I get worried," said Montgomery.
Montgomery Violins has a staff of 5 and has handled some of the most valuable and rare violins in the world, with some worth as much as 9 to 10 million dollars. A big difference when compared to the violins that Montgomery makes and sells for about $15,000.
Montgomery Violins not only makes instruments, but also repairs, restores, and buy and sell instruments from all over the world.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement