Simmers Violins

01/08/2026

30/07/2026

My latest At The Bench – Simmers Violins video is now live on YouTube.

These videos are my way of inviting you into the workshop to share the fascinating world of violin making, restoration and repair.

From time to time, I also talk about some of the more challenging aspects of the violin trade. I believe it's important to raise awareness of issues and practices that can affect string players, students and their families, helping them make informed decisions when buying and caring for their instruments.

I hope you enjoy the video!

Turning wood is fun! I like to make my own tool handles, so in this...

28/05/2026

Perth friends and musicians — I’ll be visiting Perth next week to deliver a cello and will also be bringing a range of violins and bows with me.
If you are searching for a fine violin or bow, this is a rare opportunity to try a selection in person while I am in town. Instruments for advancing students through to professional players will be available.
Appointments will be limited, so please get in touch if you would like to arrange a time to see the collection while I am in Perth.

Contact John Simmers on 0408 217 560 to arrange a trial.

Brisbane’s finest instruments, bows and repairs.

Simmers Violins stock a range of quality new and antique instruments and bows suitable for serious students and professionals.
John Simmers trained in the UK at the NSVM and is a full member of the EILA

09/05/2026

In the latest episode of At the Bench - Simmers Violins, I talk about the danger of buying a violin based purely on sound, while overlooking condition, setup, and previous repairs.

A customer recently brought me an old violin they had purchased from a violin shop because they loved its sound — but underneath, the instrument had some serious setup issues. The soundpost didn’t fit properly at all, and when the strings were removed so I could reshape the badly worn fingerboard, the post simply fell over inside the violin.

A new, perfectly fitted soundpost was needed, but that created a dilemma: if the customer bought the violin for its sound, what happens when you change one of the most important tonal components of the instrument?
It’s a fascinating reminder that good tone and good workmanship need to go hand in hand.

This is what can happen when you purchase an old violin purely based on its sound. In the long run, the condition of any instrument is as important as how it...

10/04/2026

I have set and glued the neck into my latest violin today. All the parts are now one. It should be finished and available for trial in a month or so. Let me know if you are interested in trying it when it’s all done.

17/03/2026

Searching for the perfect instrument or bow?

Award-winning violin maker John Simmers has carefully curated a selection of instruments and bows suited to every level of musician.

Get in touch to book an appointment and discover your next instrument or bow.

01/01/2026

Welcome to 2026 and a happy New Year to you all. I posted my latest At the Bench - Simmers Violins video today. Let me know what you think of it.

In this episode, I make a trip to Halsway Manor to attend a BVMA workshop. I made a cello bow and finished off a couple of violin bows during my two weeks in...

10/12/2025

Fresh off the workbench and ready to be played!
This beautiful Studio Series violin has been made from my own stock of fine European maple and spruce. While the body and scroll were initiated in a respected overseas workshop, all the important details and finishing work have been completed by me in my Brisbane workshop.
I’ve refined the arching, completed the graduations, cut the f-holes, fitted the bass bar, finished the scroll, and applied a glowing hand-varnished finish to bring out the natural beauty of the wood.
By outsourcing some of the initial labour, I’m able to offer this violin at around half the price of one of my own.
If you’re looking for a responsive, beautifully balanced, and elegantly finished violin, this one deserves a play.
Email or call Simmers Violins to arrange an evaluation and trial.

https://simmersviolins.com.au/category/instruments-for-sale/violins/violins-over-10000/

29/11/2025

Special Offer on a Master-Made Cello!

For a limited time, enjoy 25% off my newest instrument — a stunning Giuseppe Guarneri ‘filius Andreae’ model, was $60,000, now priced at $45,000.
Exceptional tone. Beautiful craftsmanship. A rare opportunity for serious players.
Contact me to arrange a viewing or trial:

0408 217 560

[email protected]

16/11/2025

Brisbane string teachers — and bargain hunters — take note!
Even the best of us have the occasional “oops,” and this time it was me! I accidentally ordered a full-size Eastman VC50 cello, which is a great student/school-level instrument but not something we usually stock.

Rather than send it back, I have set it up and decided to offer it at cost price — with a free setup included. It comes fitted with Helicore strings, plus a bow and soft case, so it’s ready to play straight away.

Now available for just $1000 — nearly half the usual price.
If you’ve got a student who needs a solid, reliable cello (or a school program looking to stretch the budget), this is a fantastic opportunity. Don’t miss it!