American Federation of
Violin and Bow Makers
Dedicated to the Ethical Practice of Craftsmanship, Conservation, Education, Expertise, and Outreach
The American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers is comprised of over 170 of the finest makers, dealers and restorers in the United States and Canada.
Member Directory
Our members meet high standards of excellence in workmanship and experience. They also are committed to adhere to our mission and code of ethics.
Musicians and Instrument owners are invited to consult our Member Directory for purchases, restoration, or appraisals.
Membership
Members share, network and learn through Federation meetings, events, concerts, and publications. We also curate a large photographic archive.
Makers and restorers can apply here.
Advocacy and Outreach
We support and initiate projects and policy that promote the betterment of the music community and the world at large. Read more about our involvement with conserving endangered species, documenting the history of the American Violin, and our other projects.
Keep up with our latest news on Facebook
The American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers presents Players Meet Makers, an Exhibition of Contemporary Instruments, Bows, and Restoration. You are invited to come and play on some of the finest handmade contemporary instruments and bows, and meet the craftspeople who make and restore them, including the legendary David Wiebe! 11am to 4 pm Saturday, March 21, 2026 Omni Parker House 60 School Street Boston, MA 02108 #viola #violin #violinbow #violinmakers #cellobow #classicalmusic #luthier #Orchestra #violabow #modernmakers #violinmaker #cello #handmade #bowmaker #music
The American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers presents Players Meet Makers, an Exhibition of Contemporary Instruments, Bows, and Restoration. You are invited to come and play on some of the finest handmade contemporary instruments and bows, and meet the craftspeople who make and restore them, including Eric Lane! 11am to 4 pm Saturday, March 21, 2026 Omni Parker House 60 School Street Boston, MA 02108 #viola #violin #violinbow #violinmakers #cellobow #classicalmusic #luthier #Orchestra #violabow #modernmakers #violinmaker #cello #handmade #bowmaker #music
The American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers presents Players Meet Makers, an Exhibition of Contemporary Instruments, Bows, and Restoration. You are invited to come and play on some of the finest handmade contemporary instruments and bows, and meet the craftspeople who make and restore them, including Jesse Berndt! 11am to 4 pm Saturday, March 21, 2026 Omni Parker House 60 School Street Boston, MA 02108 #viola #violin #violinbow #violinmakers #cellobow #classicalmusic #luthier #Orchestra #violabow #modernmakers #violinmaker #cello #handmade #bowmaker #music
Isabelle Wilbaux has been crafting her violins, violas, and cellos for more than four decades. Today, some of the world’s most distinguished musicians play Wilbaux instruments. Musicians always comment on the power, warmth and beauty of tone in her instruments. This tone is the result of thousands of hours of research, experimentation, and hard work. Her instruments give players what they want most: an extraordinarily rich, balanced and sonorous palette of colours to work with. Website: www.wilbauxluthier.com Member of : the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers the Violin Society of America the Makers' Forum Canadian Association of Violin and Bow makers the Collectif Lutherie Montréal Prizes and awards include: The Violin Society of America – Various medals and prizes for tone and workmanship: violins, violas and quartets, between1998 and 2018 Concours international de lutherie et d’archèterie de la ville de Paris – Bronze medal, violin, 1999 Fondation belge de la vocation prize, 1995 Cremona Triennale International – Three prizes, including the Sacconi Prize, viola, 1994 Mittenwald International Violin Making Competition – Prize for best tone, violin, 1993 You are invited to come and play on some of the finest handmade contemporary instruments and bows, and meet the craftspeople who make and restore them, including the amazing Isabelle Wilbaux! 11am to 4 pm Saturday, March 21, 2026 Omni Parker House 60 School Street Boston, MA 02108 #viola #violin #violinbow #violinmakers #cellobow #classicalmusic #luthier #Orchestra #violabow #modernmakers #violinmaker #cello #handmade #bowmaker #music
Connect
Members can ask questions, share info and more on our secure, private bulletin board.
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To report lost or stolen instruments: click here
Warm thanks to the generous sponsors of our Biannual General Meeting – Boston 2026:
Welcome Reception
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
