About Oklahoma Strings

Oklahoma Strings was founded in 1987 by Joseph and Anne Guevara to provide repair and rental services to our public schools. The Oklahoma Strings Violin Shop llc. provides affordable access to orchestral stringed instruments for musicians of all ages and backgrounds.

All our instrument repairs are done in shop; including open seams and complete rebuilds, bow rehairs and windings, even as far as building custom violins, violas, and cellos using traditional techniques. We also adjust or setup from scratch the instruments we sell! No two instruments are identical, so be sure to check out all we have to offer and compare our setup! Our Eastman 100 will definitely sound different from one online, and even if we have two identically setup, they will have their own unique characteristics. In keeping with our mission, our pricing structure is under constant review. Our goal is always to offer superior service while keeping costs affordable.

We approach every repair from the traditional, accepted repair practices handed down through generations of master luthiers. Our pricing model is time based, adjusted to be affordable and competitive. Most of our materials are made in shop, from varnishes to glue. We also utilize varnishes made by the top specialists in the country, keeping small batches on hand for new instruments. 

Even with standard pricing, we often come across unique instruments and "attic violins" needing to be played, but maybe not worth the full cost of a traditional repair. We understand not every violin is a Stradivari, and offer unconventional repairs to "make it work" when all other options are exhausted. For example, we won't charge you for a neck graft (a very expensive and time consuming project) to repair a break on a beginner violin. We don't go crazy, but don't be afraid to ask us if it can be fixed before you throw away your instrument! We pride ourselves on our honesty, and will never push you to buying something you do not need or want.

We focus on quality. We are always looking for the most affordable properly made instruments, without compromising the standards of quality. What this means is if you buy an instrument from me, you know you are getting a properly made violin, viola, bass, or cello!

Finally, we are always learning. Our small team has professional training through workshops all over the country, with careful study on multiple methods of repair. We pool our resources from other luthiers, bow specialists, and dealers, private study of texts from masters several hundred years old, and modern techniques just being discovered and mastered.

And most important: our customers. Thank you for all the kind words, the encouragement, and word of mouth recommendations. We love answering your questions and talking about our instruments from their birth in the tree to the fine instrument in your hand. Thank you all who continue to give us your business!

-Christo Contreras

Owner and Luthier