CG
Christina Gullans
Nov 10, 2025
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.
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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Marty Mangold
Jan 28, 2025
Wonderful service, wisdom and skill.
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Michael Casassa
Nov 4, 2024
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.
LV
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!
