About me

Since a very young age, I  spent a lot of time in my father’s violin shop, first in Hamburg, and later in Rotenburg (Wümme), Germany. He would play two or three different violins, and get my opinion. It was amazing training at an early age… the other thing we used to love doing is listening to different recordings of the same violin concerto and compare the differences.

When I was 8, I began learning the violin under Toscho Matov, a second generation Leopold Auer Student.  It was a rigorous and disciplined training and it taught me a lot about the importance of a good posture.

In 1980 my whole family migrated to Australia, settling in Brisbane.  After finishing high school in 1985, I started learning Violinmaking from my father, Master Violin maker Helge Grawert (German Master Degree in Violinmaking 1968).

I completed my training and later went into partnership with Helge until 1994.  In 1990 I received a Queen Elizabeth II Scholarship to further my training and went to Geigenbau Machold in Germany to study the latest restoration techniques of fine instruments.  It was a wonderful experience which I still treasure. I worked with some of the world’s finest violin restorers, and got to see and work on many rare antique instruments.

In Australia, I am well known for restorations I performed on valuable old Instruments.  I love the challenge of restoring instruments in any condition so that you cannot see a single repair.  I also love to spend time perfecting the sound of an Instrument. I hope I can be of assistance to you.

I will always endeavour to find out your needs, and set up your instrument to suit your unique playing style, and your individual built. I also offer Bridges, Soundposts, Bow Rehairs and simple repairs (usually within 24hrs), because I am aware of how important your Instrument is to you. I look forward to providing you with the highest standard of quality and service available in Brisbane, Queensland

What my customers say

It sounds amazing now

Thank you so much for checking my violin and putting on the bridge and tailpiece and all that, it sounds amazing now.

the G and D are noticeably clearer and louder now…and it’s easier to play double stops…the strings used to hurt my fingers  a bit and now it doesn’t…It’s really amazing and easy to play now…thank you very much!!!

 

Cindy – 23/02/2013

“…..it sounded super beautiful!!”

Just want to let you know that the violin arrived safely with excellent condition.

I tried playing it and it sounded super beautiful!!! I am very happy with my purchase.

Thank you for your excellent service. Hope you both have a good one!

Sanchia

Honestly the friendliest and most helpful place I’ve been to for my violin so far.

Rani

It is exciting to see the instrument being played again

Sophie’s violin has arrived home, and is looking (and sounding) absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much for all you’ve done. It is exciting to see the instrument being played again, knowing that it’s future will be making music rather than sit in a box, forgotten and falling apart!

Heidi B – 19/03/2011

….so vibrant….

Thanks Olaf.  The Viola sounds so vibrant and plays beautifully.

Thank you for such a wonderful set-up.

Michella Xavier

It made the selection for a relative newcomer effortless

Olaf has a wonderful wealth of knowledge which made the choice of violin purchase very easy. It made the selection for a relative newcomer effortless. He has a warmth which translates into the care that he puts into whether it is in servicing a customer or with any followup queries. Highly recommended.

Karen

….he understands and shares in your excitement

I have just bought my second instrument from Olaf. I love how he understands and shares in your excitement. His advice and attention to detail gives you confidence that you have the best instrument possible for your budget and ability.

Jo

A big thank you Olaf…

Last week me and my husband went to Olaf’s shop in Brisbane
to buy a violin for our 11 years daughter.
I want to Thank Olaf for the advice and vast knowledge on choosing the right violin for our daughter.Thank you for your generousity and kindness.
We are incredibly fortunate to have met you.
Beyond words …
A Big Thank you Olaf

Nina & Andreas

I am so happy!

Thank you so much! I received my new violin today (in perfect condition) and I just completed my first practice with it. I am so happy! The wood grain is amazing, even more beautiful in person than in the pictures. The tone and playability is perfect, just what I was looking for! The tone of the violin is sweet and yet has projection and clarity. It’s just lovely. Please tell Olaf thank you so much, I am so pleased!!!

A C - Wyoming, USA

The violin is playing just as beautifully as the day we purchased it

After hearing numerous very positive reports about The Violin Studio our family travelled from Townsville to Brisbane for a combination holiday & violin purchase. Choosing and playing violins from Olaf’s excellent range was a great experience for our daughter and his intimate knowledge and experience of all the instruments he sells is second to none. The violin is playing just as beautifully as the day we purchased it and with that and Olaf’s excellent service in mind I’d highly recommend The Violin Studio.

Cam Laird

Olaf went above and beyond…

Olaf went above and beyond to ensure I went home with an amazing cello. I can’t thank him enough for believing that I deserve to own such a beautiful instrument.

Coralie Nathan

I wouldn’t want to have anyone else in the world handle my instruments!

Very well knowledgeable! Great sense of humor. Clearly loves what he does and I wouldn’t want to have anyone else in the world handle my instruments!!

Nate

Incredible

 I’ve never heard my violin sound like this.  Thank you so much for doing such a fantastic job…incredible.   thanks,

 

Marina

Completely in love…

Many thanks to Olaf Grawert from

The Violin Studio

who has been my violin maker since I was a young boy.

I recently spent a few hours in his shop trying instruments until i found the one for me. For those of you who are Harry Potter fans, it was my Olivander’s wand shop moment!
Completely in love with my new axe, a 1920’s Herman Dolling Jr. from Germany.
Mr Michael

I would recommend him…

I have had multiple violins restored by Olaf over the years. Olaf has a thorough understanding of what a violinist requires in terms of playability, and brings out the best in the instrument. Olaf is fair, knowledgeable and friendly, and I would recommend him any violinist looking for advice and setup.

Philip C

Thank you for the great instrument you guys put in his hands

Oscar won 1st place in AUSTA (intermediate), got high distinction in his AMEB 4 test and was successful in securing a place in a prestigious high school that has a strong focus on music.

Thank you for the great instrument you guys put in his hands

Rodney Borrego

….tone and playability are fantastic

The Lombardi violin has arrived safely in perfect condition.

It’s beautiful and the tone and playability are fantastic, better in person than the pictures and video could capture. It’s a wonderful instrument and will serve me well.

Jim, USA – November 29, 2022

Jim, USA

Thank you for helping me find just the right violin.  I am absolutely loving it!

Maddy A

My son loves his violin

I bought my son’s violin from Olaf. I trust his a lot of experience and knowledge. He did his best for find a good violin to my son. My son loves his violin. I will buy again from Olaf when my son needs to upgrade Violin and I recommend him to everybody. he is just perfect person for who looking for violin maker, repairer or seller. I am impressed with his kindness, great service and professional mind. Thank you so much, I appreciate your help.

Chloe

I am impressed…

The Violin Studio has provided my students with beautiful and resonant instruments of excellent quality. My students come in all sizes, and so do their instruments. As I know how crucial it is for beginners to have a good sounding instrument, I must say that I am impressed by the quality of Olaf Grawert’s small violins such as quarter and half size.

Hanna, violin and viola teacher and professional player

Sound quality had improved by 100%

I have seen Olaf for over 5 years now, and every time, I have left his studio smiling. Olaf has an extensive range of string instruments and products, and it is more than likely that there will be one perfect for you. I bought my instrument from him in 2012, and it has never failed me. It is clear that Olaf is a master of craft when you see your instrument after a service. Not only did it look just about new again, the sound quality had improved by 100%. I highly recommend Olaf’s violin studio as the go-to place if you are considering buying a new instrument or getting a service. He is very precise with his work, and he ensures that his jobs are done to the customer’s satisfaction. Thank you Olaf for your brilliant work!

J H

….I would definitely recommend Olaf to anyone looking to purchase a violin

Watching Olaf work on his YouTube channel has been a joy. He is both knowledgeable and skilful. I just knew that I could trust Olaf for my violin upgrade purchase.  I am very pleased and delighted that the violin far exceeds my expectations both in terms of physical aesthetics and sound quality. I never really understood the violin master setup until I played on my Giuseppe Ziardo. It really elevates my violin play as it is much easier to handle. It makes me want to pick up and play my violin all the time. The varnish that Olaf used for the Ziardo is excellent and it smells pleasant. The work that Olaf did on the violin gives a new experience when playing the Ziardo and I must say that it is a real pleasure to play. Thank you, Olaf for the excellent work and I would definitely recommend Olaf to anyone looking to purchase a violin.”

Peter, Indonesia

Thank you very much Olaf

Keegan is absolutely thrilled with his new full size violin.  I would like to thank you for the thought you put into your sales.  Knowing your customers and taking the time to appreciate what they expect from their instrument.  Keegan has hardly put it down in his spare time.  Practicing for a total of a hour and half  just last night alone.
Once again, thank you

Mandi

My teacher was very impressed

Thanks for adding me to your email database. I had my first lesson on Monday and my teacher was very impressed with sound of the student violin you set up for me – she said you could tell it was not from a music store… Thanks

Lin R

….now it can tell stories again with glorious colour

Olaf restored my mid 19th century German violin. I honestly believed it was beyond repair, but not so when the Luthier is Olaf Grawert. It was split, cracked, and sad. It had become quite dull but now has its character back. Warm, deep, rich, full and mellow. Playing it felt emotionless and passionless to play…but now it can tell stories again with glorious colour.   Olaf was open and honest with the process and I could truly see that he knew how much this family heirloom meant to me. Isn’t she beautiful.

 

We always come away with a beautiful instrument and my son with a new ambition

Over time we have purchased three violins from the Violin Studio for our son, as he has grown and needed to move to the next size. Olaf has a genuine interest in the musician and patiently shares his knowledge. In helping our son to find the best violin (within our budget) Olaf has been teaching him what he needs to consider when choosing a violin. Olaf is generous with his time, his knowledge, his enthusiasm for music and his encouragement for young musicians. We always come away with a beautiful instrument and my son with a new ambition.

Beth

Olaf works miracles!

I thought my cello was beyond all help after an accident ripping apart the front. The sight of those splintered openings was hard to bear – but now I have my cello back looking and sounding great! Olaf works miracles!

Elle Cee Eff

Olaf did a great job

Olaf did a great job fitting a new bridge in and carved my fingerboard down. My violin sounds more brighter and not ringing.

Francis

OH WOW, it SINGS!!

I finally got to tune and play the Lomont yesterday afternoon…..OH WOW, it SINGS!!

The sound is GORGEOUS and makes my old violin sound like a brick. I am so glad I upgraded to the maximum of my violin $$$ ability. She’s quite pretty too.

Once again, thank you for making the process so easy and sending the Lomont so quickly. I am in love….

 

JM – Victoria, Australia

….I can’t wait to show everyone this beautiful instrument

The beautiful violin made it to my house today.  I was surprised it arrived so quickly. The packaging job was amazing.  I am so impressed by how beautiful the violin is.  The violin is playing perfectly, and I couldn’t be happier.  I am going to my violin lesson today and I can’t wait to show everyone this beautiful instrument.

J. Sammons, Florida USA

Olaf is very knowledgeable…..

Olaf is very knowledgeable and he was so helpful with our son purchasing his new violin. Olaf set the new violin in such a way that it projects so nice!! Its a 3/4 violin and sounds like full size! definitely will follow up on my next purchase with Olaf. I have learn so much with Olaf’s youtube videos, highly recommended!. Thanks!!!

Rodney and Oscar

Highly recommended luthier!

Highly recommended luthier! I had a cello appointment, he gave it a thorough look over, fixed and tweaked a few things (including sound post adjustment), gave me some general advice and booked in for a follow up full service. My cello sounds amazing after the sound post adjustment and left happy! Olaf definitely has a lot of knowledge and wisdom, and I would trust him to fix any instrument. (He is the luthier Ling Ling 😉 )

Fletcher Blight

Marvellous

Olaf’s service is impeccable! He helped us out to trade in a violin over the phone. We agreed on quality and price and within a week had received a beautiful instrument . It suited our needs perfectly, sounds amazing and we feel so confident now with Olaf for backup and service. Marvellous

Nicholas

Very happy…

Just had a play of my little fiddle.  The sound is much improved, wonderful.  When I lift the bow the sound seems to continue for ever.  Very happy, thanks.

 

Dave

Thanks to Olaf for the beautiful violin

I love the deep/rich tone the instrument has, very nice to play. Here’s to many years of practice with this instrument 🍷

Thanks for the assistance for my order, and thanks to Olaf for the beautiful violin!

Christopher, Canada

….sounding the best I can ever remember it sounding!

Hi Olaf,

Thanks for fixing my bridge issue on my violin last week. I played it at orchestra last night and it is so much better now, and sounding the best I can ever remember it sounding!

Regards,

Michael

Michael

It will make my practice sessions a joy

I received the violin!   It sounds amazing!  I’m in love!  My teacher was impressed with it to the point of saying bravo to himself after giving it a test play.  He said it was a very good purchase considering the risks of ordering violins online, and I think so too.

The violin had a very pleasing tone despite my mediocre skills.  It will certainly make my practice sessions a joy.

Purchasing a violin from you was a very pleasant experience.

Once again, thank you.

Kim Komine (Japan) - 22/7/2020

….master of his craft

Olaf is truly passionate about his trade, and genuinely a master of his craft. Took my violin to Olaf for a service and am absolutely loving how it sounds! Very meticulous and spares no expense to make sure your instrument is sounding spot on! Will definitely be back. Thanks Olaf!

Jason See

A fantastic service

A fantastic service. Olaf has wonderful experience and advice and really knows how to find a violin that is perfect for you.

Alexander Thomas

Incredible work…

I’ve been having such a wonderful time with the violin – I can’t begin to tell you just how pleased I am with it, you really breathed new life into it. Incredible work. You’ve certainly earned your reputation

Anthony H

Sounds so much more open and resonant now when I play!

I recently got my violin back from Olaf after he reset the neck and put on a new bridge. It sounds so much more open and resonant now when I play! Thanks so much Olaf, for all your help.

Josie

I love love love love it!

Just letting you know the violin arrived today. All is well. I love love love love it! It looks beautiful and really sings. The pictures and video do not do it justice – even with my playing it sounds just gorgeous! I am so happy with my purchase and feel I have made a lifelong friend. I will treasure it every day. Thankyou so much Olaf for your amazing work (and for the very speedy delivery).

Regards,
Brooke, NSW

Thank you for a job well done

My son is very happy with the sound and the adjustment done with the finger board which has made his playing easier and sounding a lot better. Thank you for a job well done.

Melchora – 22/04/2010

Got my very first violin here nearly 11 years ago, and it is still in wonderful condition.

Clare

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