Brands

Eastman Strings was founded in 1992, yet it is already an integral part of the long and glorious history of one of the most fascinating musical traditions the world has known. Through their violin and bow making activities, they are attached to a tradition nearly 500 years old, and strive to maintain a level of artistic and commercial achievement worthy of their predecessors.

In 1992, Qian Ni, who had come to the United States from China to study music, founded Eastman Strings. In the beginning, he and his two musician colleagues bought instruments from Western-trained violin makers from their home town in China, but before long, they saw that a different approach was needed. Mr. Ni hired a group of established master violinmakers, and with their help, he established a large master violin workshop devoted to the handcrafting of instruments—one of the first the world had known since the first half of the 20th century. In the short time since this workshop was founded, the reputation of Eastman Strings’ instruments for tonal quality and craftsmanship excellence has become a worldwide standard. After establishing the instrument making workshop, Qian Ni went on to found a bow making workshop based on the same principals. In both workshops, master makers train and oversee talented woodworkers to create some of the world’s finest student, step-up, and professional instruments and bows.

Today, the instrument and bow making workshops of Eastman Strings operate in precisely the same manner as late 19th century European workshops. They have virtually no power tools aside from the band saws used to cut out the necks and the outlines of the tops and backs of instruments. Chisels, knives, gouges, and scrapers, in the hands of outstandingly gifted craftspeople, are the primary tools used to create these modern instruments and bows, using methods centuries old. Thanks to Eastman Strings, string players today have advantages unknown to earlier generations: quality instruments, bows, and cases available world-wide at affordable prices.

Eastman 95:

The model 905 is crafted by Eastman Strings' most accomplished and experienced makers under the direct guidance of master luthiers and finished with a striking antique-style oil varnish. It is made with the best available tonewoods and the fingerboard is made of high quality African ebony. It has hand applied antique style varnish and is available in a Stradivari pattern. This instrument is available in sizes from 15” to 17”.

Eastman 65:

This model combines all the benefits of master luthiers' plate tuning techniques with special German-style multi-layer shaded spirit varnish. The result is a master instrument with outstanding projection, tone color, and playability, not to mention beautiful flamed maple and premium spruce tonewoods enhanced by the luminous hand-applied varnish. This viola is made with best available tonewoods under the direction of a master luthier. The fingerboard is made of high quality African ebony, and it is available in Stradivari and Tertis patterns. This instrument is available in sizes from 15” to 17”.

Eastman 45:

The model 45 features a beautiful hand applied multi layer spirit varnish, in the early 20th century Markneukirchen German style. It has a bright and singing quality to the sound. This viola is meticulously hand carved with a premium spruce top and highly flamed maple back, sides and scroll. It has hand carved boxwood fittings and is available in Guarneri or Stradivari patterns. This instrument is available in sizes from 15” to 17”.

Eastman 35:

The model 35 has a strong tonal and visual personality. Many consider it to be a warm and round sounding instrument, with a finish to match. This viola is hand crafted with a select aged spruce top and highly flamed maple back, sides and scroll. It has hand applied antique style spirit varnish and hand carved boxwood fittings. Stradivari and Tertis patterns are available, with a poplar back option. This instrument is available in sizes from 12” to 17”.

Also available to special order:

Ivan Dunov 401

Ivan Dunov 402

Albert Nebel 601

Wilhelm Klier 702

Paesold 703

Visit the official Eastman Strings website for more information.