Howard Needham Violins

Reviews

• CH

  Cathy Huang

  Jan 2, 2026
  5.0
  Howard Needham did an excellent job rehairing my bow and straightening my bridge. The quality of his work was outstanding, and my instrument feels more balanced and noticeably better to play. He was very pleasant and easy to work with. I would definitely return and highly recommend him to other string players.
• CG

  Christina Gullans

  Nov 10, 2025
  5.0
  Howard Needham has been caring for my cello for several years, and he’s done an exceptional job every time I’ve taken my instrument in. His craftsmanship is extraordinary. After my last visit, when I brought my cello home, I fell in love with it all over again. He’s not only incredibly knowledgeable and meticulous, but also a true artist in every sense. Howard is one of the best makers in the country, and that depth of experience shows in everything he does. He understands every nuance of how an instrument is built — what makes it sing, what gives it its resonance and personality. That’s why his adjustments and repairs are so effective: he approaches them with the insight and precision of someone who knows how to build a beautiful instrument from the ground up. He also happens to be an incredibly kind person. Despite his busy schedule crafting fine instruments, Howard took the time to help me with my cello. My instrument has its quirks and oddities, and he always works around them with patience, creativity, and exceptional problem-solving skills. His care and dedication always goes far beyond what I would expect. I’m deeply grateful to Howard for his generosity, artistry, and expertise, and I can’t recommend him highly enough to any string player in need of exceptional repair, restoration, or a beautiful instrument.
• AG

  Anita Garcia

  Jul 23, 2025
  5.0
  These days it’s really tough to find people who work on violins and bows well enough to call them craftsman. Howard is a craftsman who takes pride in his work and making sure that his clients are satisfied and happy. He worked on my Peresson until it sang. I am known to be very picky about many things violin related, as my students will attest. Mr. Needham put the time, effort and care into adjusting my violin’s sound post and putting in a new bridge and polishing it- He does not run a chop shop. He is a meticulous craftsman and I’m so grateful for his detailed work. Similarly, the rehair that he did on my bow was leagues better than the original bow maker did. He is a perfectionist and I appreciate that. Thank you so much for a job excellently done!
• KV

  Kamalakiran Vinjamuri

  Nov 8, 2024
  5.0
  I've had amazing experiences with Howard. I play a different style of music (South Indian Carnatic), and he listened to all my individual needs and did an amazing job understanding exactly what I need - and brought the best out of my instruments in one sitting. Amazing adjustments and repairs. I am really looking forward to continue working with him.
• MC

  Michael Casassa

  Nov 4, 2024
  5.0
  I’ve trusted Howard for years with my violin’s adjustment and repair, and for bow rehair. He is a master! He always brings my violin and bows to peak performance. I appreciate too that he is available on short notice and turns work around quickly. I highly recommend him.