Our Story
Jay Ifshin attended the Violin Making School in Salt Lake City, UT from 1974-1977, then moved to start his violin making career in Bozeman, MT. In 1979, he packed up his luthier’s tools, collection of woods and relocated to Berkeley, CA, working at a local violin shop during the day and making violins in his spare time. In 1981, he opened Ifshin Violins in what would be the beginning of a lifelong and impactful journey into the world of violins.
The Ifshin Violins’ collection has included fine instruments like Stradivari, Guarneri, Bergonzi, Guadagnini, Balestrieri, Vuillaume, Testore, Storioni, Lupot and many fine bows. However, Jay realized there was also a need for a high quality but affordable line of instruments.
In the early 1990’s, Jay and workshop foreman, Haide Lin, developed and launched Ifshin Violin’s own line of violins, violas, cellos, and basses under the label “Jay Haide”. The new line of “Jay Haide” instruments were very well received. It was a game changer, making the joys of playing and learning on a quality stringed instrument more accessible.
In 2008, after years of steady growth, a larger shop and warehouse were built in El Cerrito, CA, allowing Ifshin Violins to better serve clients looking for rare and fine instruments and bows, as well as to meet the increasing domestic and international demand for the now well-known and respected “Jay Haide” line.
Today, the Ifshin Violins collection of instruments and bows has broadened and continues to offer works by the old masters, mid-century makers, modern makers, and “Jay Haide”. Our full service workshop is world-class and respected by professionals, collectors, and players alike.
For instrument and bow sales, repairs, rentals, or general questions, please contact us via phone or email, or visit our website www.ifshinviolins.com
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