Country String Shop

08/07/2025

Rob Kain

08/07/2025

04/04/2022

Reaching out to our customers and friends ... we are reporting a bow which is missing. It is an octagonal pernambuco viola bow with German silver fittings, stamped "*K.Muller." If you know the whereabouts of this bow, please send us a message.

02/21/2022

We feel the love. A special thanks to everyone for the surprise party yesterday, not meaning to omit anyone, but thank you to the planners -- the Jen & Sandy Harris family, Steve & Linda Witter, Rebecca Gray, performing musicians, family and dear friends. We were especially touched by naming the recital hall and continuing our dream.

12/20/2021

The name Country String Shop is synonymous with luthier Robert Kain. Effective January 1, 2022, Robert Kain retired and closed the Country String Shop located in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.

Below is a summary of Bob’s work as a luthier from 1976 to 2021. During that time his handcrafted instruments included 203 violins, 24 violas and 30 cellos labeled Robert Kain Signature, Spring Run and (since 2011) Robert Kain Violins, as well as 34 banjos, 42 acoustic guitars, 28 mandolins, 6 ukuleles, 7 lap harps and 32 mountain dulcimers. From 2016-2021 there were 44 violins and 4 violas that bear the label “CSS Violins” which Bob completed at the Country String Shop. The majority of his instrument-crafting was performed in his home at Spring Run Farm, Hershey, Pennsylvania, and was finished/accessorized in the Country String Shop in Campbelltown. All of Bob’s instruments were finished with his distinctive process that is recognizable by its soft sheen that allows optimum quality sound projection. All Robert Kain instruments have been paired with fine quality accessories.

The Country String Shop’s humble beginnings started in 1993 at 57 W. Main Street, Campbelltown (former Miller Harness Shop), then in 1995 moved to 54 W. Main Street (former Mengle farmhouse across the street), and finally criss-crossed the street in 1998 at 2849 Horseshoe Pike by moving into the 1930 Campbelltown Volunteer Fire Company building. At that time the business expanded into music lessons, recitals and events, and the building was renamed the CSS Music Academy where the Country String Shop was located in the lower level. In December 2020 the CSS Music Academy building was sold to new owners Jen and Sandy Harris, who have expanded the business and operate under the name Campbelltown Academy of Music & Arts.

It has been a fabulous 45-year run for Robert Kain instruments and the Country String Shop. We gratefully acknowledge and appreciate the support of our customers, family and friends. Thank you to all, and may your days be blessed with the gift of music.

--Bob and Nancy Kain

We hope you will stay in touch with us at email address [email protected].

12/07/2021

12/02/2021

Today we had a nice visit from Bob and Amy Buckingham, good friends/customers in South Carolina. Good seeing you! Thanks for your friendship and support. Bob, did you say you know of 5 Robert Kain Violins in your home area?

We plan to post remaining inventory for clearance shortly after Christmas. All violins (4/4 and smalls) have been sold. Very few violas and small cellos remain.

It has been a good run for the Country String Shop and we are grateful for your patronage and support. In the meanwhile, a very Merry Christmas to everyone, hope your holidays are filled with music and happiness.

10/13/2021

Joanna visited us today. She is a tremendous player who loves her Kain fiddles, owns #212 and #3 (the 1985 birdseye). Always good seeing you. Thanks -- we'll see you again soon.

09/01/2021

https://lebtown.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b04f9049954127b0939ed54a6&id=9332b311ef&e=49b3d81056

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at Mount Gretna Playhouse, 200 Pennsylvania Ave., Mount Gretna, and features the Dali Quartet and the Wister Quartet.

07/28/2021

Recently acquired and available ... SPECIAL ...

Robert Kain Violin RK227G. This beauty was made by Bob in October 2020 -- Guarneri pattern, Wittner fine tune pegs, Wittner chinrest, Evah Pirazzi strings. Tone is bold yet refined and beautiful. Can be seen and played at the Country String Shop.