I was first introduced to Mr. Needham by my high school private teacher, David Hardy, principal cellist of the National Symphony Orchestra. I was in a lesson and at some point, I remember him mentioning how warped my bridge was. I didn't know what he was talking about until I laid the cello across my lap and saw just how much it was leaning over. I thought, "My gosh! I'll take it to the shop and get a new one...!" But he stopped me and told me not to take it to wherever I was thinking of taking it to- he *specifically* told me to go to Mr. Needham for it. At first, I was a little skeptical because the prices were high and he didn't appear to have a big shop like these other names you see (Potter Violins, Brobst, etc.). But as a young aspiring cellist now in college studying with Hans Jorgen Jensen, one of the most renowned teachers in the world, the work that Mr. Needham does on my cello (and bow!) is of the level that can seriously help me transition into the professional world and even excel in it (given that I put in the work too, of course!). My point is, when I tell you that a lot of my success, from all throughout high school until now, couldn't have been possible without my cello singing like it does now, I mean it. Go book your appointment with Mr. Needham now.
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Anita Garcia
Jul 23, 2025
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!
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Daniel Carson
Apr 2, 2025
Howard built a violin for me about a year ago. I have enjoyed playing my new violin immensely. The tone is magnificent across the entire register of the instrument. Just as important, the violin feels incredible to play. There's something really special about what Howard has done to create a violin that seems to genuinely want to be played a lot. I am enjoying my instrument. Howard did a really good job throughout the process with providing updates on progress and making sure we were achieving my aesthetic preferences with the instrument as well. The entire instrument is gorgeous, and the one piece back is especially eye catching. Thank you Howard!
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Gersh Chervinsky
Jan 15, 2025
Mr. Needham is a fantastic violin maker and extremely knowledgeable of every aspect of violin making and sound production.
See the video attached.
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Ludwick's House Of Violin
Oct 29, 2024
Howard’s knowledge and attention to detail in his craft of building the finest Violins, Violas and Cellos are head and shoulders above the rest! His repair work is impeccable and I am privileged to continue my Luthier training with him!
