We make and repair string instruments by hand, the way Blaž Demšar started in 1927. The workshop is now in its third generation.
Meet usBlaž Demšar made his first violin in Sarajevo in 1927. In 1938 the workshop moved to the Prule quarter of Ljubljana, where it still stands today. His son Vilim took over after him, and since 2015 the workshop has been run by the founder's grandson, Blaž Jr.
Every instrument is made from Slovenian wood alone: Jelovica spruce for the top, flamed maple for the back, ribs and neck. The wood dries in the attic until it is ready. Only then does the work begin.
Only a few minutes of the work are done by machine. The other 150 hours are done by hand, by eye and by ear.
“How to make a violin is written down. How to make a good tone is written nowhere.”
Vilim Demšar
We build new instruments, repair old ones and rent them out. All in the same workshop at Žabjak.
Violins, violas, cellos and double basses, handmade from Slovenian wood. Each instrument is built to order, in conversation with the player.
About makingCrack repair, bridge and peg fitting, varnish work, fingerboard planing, soundpost adjustment and acoustic adjustments. We also appraise the age, origin and value of instruments.
Send an enquiryDemšar instruments for children and young musicians, in sizes from 1/16 to 3/4. Part of the rental payments later counts toward the purchase of a full-size instrument.
Rental termsA violin, cello or viola is a singing instrument. When you pluck a string, it has the tone of a singer. That tone must be repeated with the bow. That is where music is made.
From 1/16 to 3/4, built the same way as a full-size Demšar. The price covers everything: instrument, bow, shoulder rest, case and strings.
€20 purchase credit + €15 rental fee
