JAMES KOEHLER
LUTHIER
JAMES KOEHLER
LUTHIER
James Koehler brings nearly three decades of experience to the repair and restoration of violins, violas, and cellos. His technical skills and craftsmanship were developed during extensive formal training and apprenticeship over many years of professional work.
Before opening his own shop in 2017, Mr. Koehler was head luthier and shop manager at The Violin Shop Florida. He performed the majority of the repair and restorations at the Bonita Springs location. A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mr. Koehler worked at the Beihoff Violin Shop.
Mr. Koehler is a 1994 graduate of the violin repair program at Minnesota State College Southeast in Red Wing. He earned a diploma in performance from The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and is a member of The Violin Society of America and Catgut Forum.
EXPERIENCE
Luthier
Over twenty-seven years in repair and restoration
Repair and restoration of fine violins such as Gagliano, Grancino and Stainer as well as Hermann Stolzel and Cech double basses used by many jazz musicians
Fine bow repairs. i.e. cracks, windings, thumbgrips, tip plates and frog repair.
Over one thousand bridge, fingerboard, peg and soundpost fittings.
An estimated fourteen thousand instruments previously maintained for rental.
PUBLICATIONS
Worth It: Restoring a C. 1690 Grancino Violin
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long have you been repairing violins?
I’ve been repairing and restoring violins for more than 27 years. I started my own shop in 2017.
Are you specially trained?
I am a 1994 graduate of the violin repair program at Minnesota State College Southeast in Red Wing and apprenticed with several violin makers and luthiers.
Which instruments do you service?
Violins, violas, and cellos.
How do I get my instrument or bow to you?
Telephone me or send me a message on the contact form and we can work out the most efficient strategy to get your instrument to my shop.
How long does the average repair take?
While it depends on the work needed, on average a repair takes about one week. Restorations vary depending on the work needed.
Do you rent violins?
I no longer have a rental program myself, but I recommend students in Southwest Florida contact Virginia Barnes at 561-245-0555.
Do you have a loaner violin I can use while mine is being repaired?
Yes, I have a limited number of loaner instruments.
Where are most of your clients located?
The bulk of my clientele is in Southwest Florida.
Are your clients professional musicians?
Many of my clients are professional musicians from the orchestras located in Southwest Florida, along with local teachers and students, and anyone who contacts me through my website.
Where are you located?
My shop is in North Fort Myers, in Southwest Florida.
Where are you from originally?
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Are you insured?
Yes, but customers should have their instruments self-insured.