Custom Strings

05/12/2026

15 3/4" (400mm) viola update:
-Top finished and fit with bass bar. Rather than go with a template I decided to "freehand" the F-holes and scroll. Innovation keeps my job interesting and from falling into the rut of "All-I-Make-Is-Copies syndrome". I'm hoping it also staves off mental decline. That and daily sudoku.
-Scroll and neck done (neck 75% roughed out)
-Fingerboard fit to neck.
-Scale length and projection set.
-Neck fit to body.

04/30/2026

This is the first of a new model I've been designing. A 15 3/4" Viola (400mm), slightly smaller and with a little wider bouts and deeper arching. The challenge of crafting rich, warm sounding violas was what got me into luthiery back in the 80's. Making a good sounding viola is like trying to make a 1/2 sized violin that sounds like a full-sized violin. Usually the modeling I use is 16 3/8" (416mm), but a customer and her professional instructor requested a smaller scale length and I do love a challenge.

04/01/2026

The dogs have learned how to play! Like we always say… it’s never too late and anyone can learn!!

04/01/2026

Here's a great article from Scientific Luthier, a definite must-read with some revolutionary findings!

An international panel of behavioral and forensic scientists have announced a shocking breakthrough today in explaining why some artists are so masterful at what they do, performing with ease and skill while others fail to achieve any level of peer recognized success.

03/30/2026

Happy Birthday Rigby! 6 years old and still a little pup at heart.

03/03/2026

I got reminded that I haven't taken and posted any pictures of the most recent violin. 🫤 Here it is " in the white" and with the final "ground coat" before moving on to the color coats.

01/27/2026

During these cold months we tend to heat our houses and temperatures fluctuate. Make sure you are keeping your instruments at a decent temperature to reduce any damage! Stop by today if you need a FREE humidifier for your case!

12/15/2025

This year's ornaments are made from flamed maple! Available individually or as a set, only from Custom Strings!

12/12/2025

Ho Ho Ho, Holiday hours!:

Custom Strings will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 24th and 25th) and New Year's Eve and New Year's Day (Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 31 & Jan 1). Other than that, we're open regular hours. Make sure to get in early for your shopping and to give us enough time to get your instruments ready for you!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays from us to you!

10/23/2025

We have FINALLY revamped our website!!! Check it out and let us know what you think!!! ☺️

Fine InstrumentsHand selected, adjusted and customized to be your tool for acoustic excellence, our inventory has instruments for every player. We'd rather you have difficulty deciding which of several you love the most rather than settling on one that "will do".

05/14/2025

This weekend we had the privilege of being interviewed by Hayley Guenthner at KHQ for their small business Saturday spotlight. Check it out!!

Our Small Business Saturday Spotlight taking us to Custom Strings on Trent in Spokane Valley.