Welcome to Olaf Grawert Violin Studio

Master violin maker and restorer

I created the Studio as a place to help String Players reach their highest potential, and their musical goals by optimising instruments, providing high quality instruments and expert advice.

I am a 2nd Generation, German trained violin maker, with well over 30 years experience. I truly understand string instruments and the needs of string players of all levels.

Hand selected and master set up range of high quality violins, violas and cellos, bows and accessories

Master Instrument Set-ups and Restorations

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My Mission

It is my goal to work together with enthusiastic string players like you, to find your perfect instrument, and keep your instrument working at its best to really suit you and your playing style. I specialise in creating optimal acoustics and playability.

With over 35 years of experience in the restoration, repairs, valuations and tone improvement of old violins, violas and cellos, your instrument is in good hands and will come back optimized and playing at its best.

I support the string community by providing free instrument care information, Soloist interviews and much more in my newsletter.

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What services I offer

Instrument Sales

View my extensive range of exceptional quality New and Antique Instruments.

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Repairs & Restorations

Get your instrument into a perfect playing condition again.

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Valuations

So you own a beautiful instrument and don’t know what it is worth?

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What makes Olaf Grawert Violin Studio better?

  • I am a violin maker and restorer with over 36 years of experience… not a string player who thought it would be nice to have a violin-shop. Your instrument will be worked on to an International Standard. I have worked in Germany and Australia for over 34 years. I also draw on the over 65 years of experience from my father, German Master Violinmaker, Helge Grawert.
  • I have fantastic results with optimising instruments for professionals, soloists and students of all levels alike. Ask around: Many professionals around Australia prefer Olaf Grawert Violin Studio.  You know that you will get excellent quality and experience. Your Instrument will be set up for the best ease of playing, because I am very experienced in working with musicians of all levels. I also take your body shape and posture into account.
  • Olaf Grawert Violin Studio is the closest violin shop to the main cultural hubs of Brisbane (QSO, Cultural centre, Con, UQ).
  • I will always give you Honest and True assessments that are in your best interests.
  • I provide free instrument care information, Soloist interviews and much more in my newsletter.  You can also connect with me on YouTube, Facebook or Instagram on the links at top or bottom of this page.
  • You have less down time, because I plan repair times with clients in advance. (This is critical if you are a professional or tertiary student). I will always give you truly personalised by appointment service.
  • Your Instruments will look better through using old tested, as well as, the most modern restoration techniques. (Seeking to retain as much as possible of the original instrument).
  • I use well seasoned timber. My high quality bridges have been seasoned for over 25 years
  • You receive strictest international standard quality control.
  • I have worked with musicians of all levels (including concert violinists) since 1986, so I really understand your needs.. I have connected with or interviewed people like Stephane Grapelli, Pincas Zuckerman, Ray Chen, Joshua Bell, Twoset, Nigel Kennedy and met Andreas Schiff. Nicola Bennedetti, Tasmin Little, Maxim Vengerov, James Ehnes, Karen Gomyo and Gil Shaham… there are so many more.

Behind the Scenes in my Workshop

At my studio I make and modify/optimise violins, violas and cellos to create tonal qualities required for performance at the highest level.  I achieve this by combining the age-old tradition of Lutherie with new studies into the acoustics of the string family (using research by the Grawert Family and some famous German violin makers).  This research has enabled me to use some of the same techniques that were used by the famous 17th and 18th Century Italian Masters with great tonal results.  Watch some videos of me restoring instruments on my YouTube channel.

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My Shop

Olaf Grawert Violin Studio is a 'by appointment' violin shop, because your needs are unique, and you deserve uninterrupted time for us to work together to really find the best solutions to help you reach your string goals.

It also gives me time for instrument making, restorations and repairs, and you don't have to wait.

When you come to Olaf Grawert Violin Studio in Brisbane you have the opportunity to try out my extensive range of exceptional quality New and Antique Instruments.

You can also browse instruments on our online shop. All instruments are hand picked and set up by me, so you have the guarantee of quality, ease of playing and a good sound.

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