Howard Needham Violins Reviews

Christina Gullans 2025.11.11

     

Howard Needham has been caring for my cello for several years, and he’s done an exceptional job every time I’ve taken my instrument in. His craftsmanship is extraordinary. After my last visit, when I brought my cello home, I fell in love with it all over again. He’s not only incredibly knowledgeable and meticulous, but also a true artist in every sense. Howard is one of the best makers in the country, and that depth of experience shows in everything he does. He understands every nuance of how an instrument is built — what makes it sing, what gives it its resonance and personality. That’s why his adjustments and repairs are so effective: he approaches them with the insight and precision of someone who knows how to build a beautiful instrument from the ground up. He also happens to be an incredibly kind person. Despite his busy schedule crafting fine instruments, Howard took the time to help me with my cello. My instrument has its quirks and oddities, and he always works around them with patience, creativity, and exceptional problem-solving skills. His care and dedication always goes far beyond what I would expect. I’m deeply grateful to Howard for his generosity, artistry, and expertise, and I can’t recommend him highly enough to any string player in need of exceptional repair, restoration, or a beautiful instrument.

Useful Report

Reply from Howard Needham Violins 2025.11.15

Wow, thank you so much Christina! That is a wonderfully generous review, I am very grateful. Best of luck in your recording, you are in my prayers today to have a great success. Enjoy!

Kyle Ryu 2025.09.05

     

I was first introduced to Mr. Needham by my high school private teacher, David Hardy, principal cellist of the National Symphony Orchestra. I was in a lesson and at some point, I remember him mentioning how warped my bridge was. I didn't know what he was talking about until I laid the cello across my lap and saw just how much it was leaning over. I thought, "My gosh! I'll take it to the shop and get a new one...!" But he stopped me and told me not to take it to wherever I was thinking of taking it to- he *specifically* told me to go to Mr. Needham for it. At first, I was a little skeptical because the prices were high and he didn't appear to have a big shop like these other names you see (Potter Violins, Brobst, etc.). But as a young aspiring cellist now in college studying with Hans Jorgen Jensen, one of the most renowned teachers in the world, the work that Mr. Needham does on my cello (and bow!) is of the level that can seriously help me transition into the professional world and even excel in it (given that I put in the work too, of course!). My point is, when I tell you that a lot of my success, from all throughout high school until now, couldn't have been possible without my cello singing like it does now, I mean it. Go book your appointment with Mr. Needham now.

Useful Report

Reply from Howard Needham Violins 2025.11.15

Thank you Kyle, it has been a pleasure working with you and seeing your progress, keep up the good work!

Anita Garcia 2025.07.23

     

These days it’s really tough to find people who work on violins and bows well enough to call them craftsman. Howard is a craftsman who takes pride in his work and making sure that his clients are satisfied and happy. He worked on my Peresson until it sang. I am known to be very picky about many things violin related, as my students will attest. Mr. Needham put the time, effort and care into adjusting my violin’s sound post and putting in a new bridge and polishing it- He does not run a chop shop. He is a meticulous craftsman and I’m so grateful for his detailed work. Similarly, the rehair that he did on my bow was leagues better than the original bow maker did. He is a perfectionist and I appreciate that. Thank you so much for a job excellently done!

Useful Report

Reply from Howard Needham Violins 2025.11.15

Thank you Anita, I so appreciate your review and look forward to our continuing friendship and care of your beautiful Peresson!

Ziggy 2025.05.14

     

BEST LUTHIER EVER!!! Howard is a gem! Recently my daughter won a concerto competition after he fixed her 3/4 cello. All of the adjustments absolutely made a huge difference in her sound! We are also loving the bows that he rehaired. Yesterday Howard saved us again with some last-minute cello repairs! His work is remarkably precise, and customer service couldn’t get any better! He is trustworthy and will give you his honest opinions about everything, including all of the options for repairs. You will have peace of mind, knowing that your precious instruments are in good hands each time you visit Howard Needham Violins.

Useful Report

Reply from Howard Needham Violins 2025.06.01

Thank you so much for this wonderful review, I am so glad it worked out so well!

Daniel Carson 2025.04.02

     

Howard built a violin for me about a year ago. I have enjoyed playing my new violin immensely. The tone is magnificent across the entire register of the instrument. Just as important, the violin feels incredible to play. There's something really special about what Howard has done to create a violin that seems to genuinely want to be played a lot. I am enjoying my instrument. Howard did a really good job throughout the process with providing updates on progress and making sure we were achieving my aesthetic preferences with the instrument as well. The entire instrument is gorgeous, and the one piece back is especially eye catching. Thank you Howard!

Useful Report

Reply from Howard Needham Violins 2025.04.04

Thanks so much for your review, Dan. It was a pleasure working with you and I look forward to our continued joint stewardship of your violin.

Marty Mangold 2025.01.28

     

Wonderful service, wisdom and skill.

Useful Report

Gersh Chervinsky 2025.01.15

     

Mr. Needham is a fantastic violin maker and extremely knowledgeable of every aspect of violin making and sound production. See the video attached.

Useful Report

Reply from Howard Needham Violins 2025.05.14

Thanks so much for the great review, Gersh!

Kamalakiran Vinjamuri 2024.11.08

     

I've had amazing experiences with Howard. I play a different style of music (South Indian Carnatic), and he listened to all my individual needs and did an amazing job understanding exactly what I need - and brought the best out of my instruments in one sitting. Amazing adjustments and repairs. I am really looking forward to continue working with him.

Useful Report

Reply from Howard Needham Violins 2024.11.15

Thanks for your great review Kamal, much appreciated!

Michael Casassa 2024.11.04

     

I’ve trusted Howard for years with my violin’s adjustment and repair, and for bow rehair. He is a master! He always brings my violin and bows to peak performance. I appreciate too that he is available on short notice and turns work around quickly. I highly recommend him.

Useful Report

Reply from Howard Needham Violins 2024.11.05

Michael,
Thanks so much for your kind words; I appreciate your business, always a pleasure!

Ludwick's House Of Violin 2024.10.29

     

Howard’s knowledge and attention to detail in his craft of building the finest Violins, Violas and Cellos are head and shoulders above the rest! His repair work is impeccable and I am privileged to continue my Luthier training with him!

Useful Report

Reply from Howard Needham Violins 2024.10.29

Thanks, ZZ, for the great review!