This is a very big deal:

http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/arts/20100205_ap_phillyviolinshopclosingsignalsdeathofanera.html


Philly violin shop closing signals death of an era

PATRICK WALTERS

The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA - Over the past century, some of the world's best violinists developed trust in William Moennig & Son, a storied shop they could go to for repairs, adjustments, new instruments and bows.

String players returned to Moennig through the Great Depression, two world wars and an evolution in classical music as tastes changed. From Isaac Stern to Itzhak Perlman to Philadelphia Orchestra greats, they consulted four generations of Moennigs.

Now, Moennig's run has ended abruptly, stunning many in the violin community and symbolizing the ever-evolving nature of the specialized industry. The shop quietly closed its doors in mid-December, its owners citing the end of a generational line and an era in which big operations like theirs have become dinosaurs.

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:hurts: :hurts: :hurts: :hurts: :hurts: :hurts: :hurts: :hurts: :hurts: :hurts: :hurts: :hurts: :hurts:


My parents bought me my violins here when i was 6 and 12 years old. these people have been around forever and this is just unbelievable that this business closed. It was revered by EVERYONE in Philadelphia and around the world who knew anything about stringed instruments. The Philadelphia Orchestra was known for its richness of its string section and one of the reasons was that the technical aspects of the instruments were honed here in Philly. My patient is quoted in the article and my heart goes out to his family - they are wonderful people and most gifted.

Another victim of the 'times'....

At least from my limited understanding.

Was it simply the economy? An abandonment of art?

I'm so sorry. I hope very much that the expertise centered there has provided for some sort of legacy.

We've still got a good luthier here in Houston who has done some nice work on my cello. Outstanding craftsmen.