Luthiers in DC

November 22, 2005 at 04:40 AM · I live in the DC area. I'm not aware of any in the district. Most people go to Potter/Weaver in Bethesda, Md and there's also a dealer on Edsall Rd in VA just off I395. Weaver used to be downtown but moved to Md about 20 years ago. If you don't have a car you'll have to take Metro to Bethesda. I believe the Metro stop is walkable to Potter's. Call them and ask.

November 22, 2005 at 05:22 AM · Thanks for the info!

November 22, 2005 at 06:03 AM · I whole heartedly recommend Potters. They have been working with my violin since before I was born and I hate it when I have to take it to someone else.

Preston

November 22, 2005 at 07:12 AM · I wholeheartedly recommend Potter's, too. I go there regularly even though I don't have a car. They are within walking distance from the Medical Center Metro station.

November 22, 2005 at 07:18 AM · I agree with Preston and Pauline! Although I obtained my current violin from Weavers (Bill Weaver is a fantastic guy and sells wonderful fine antique instruments all the way up through violins used in soloist careers) I've gone to Potters for maintenance/adjustments since I was 5. (Even if you buy a violin at Weavers, they'll do most of the adjusting/rehairing through Potters.) Dalton Potter is one of the nicest guys you can meet, a skilled luthier, and a man of integrity. Their whole staff is excellent and will establish a good lasting relationship with you.

November 22, 2005 at 07:26 AM · Here's their website:

www.pottersviolins.com

I forgot to mention, they've saved me from numerous last minute emergencies!

November 22, 2005 at 01:57 PM · Potter is good. So is Brobst on Edsall Rd. in Alexandria. I think Howard Needham is in Annapolis, and Oded Kishony in Barboursville, VA (near Charlottesville) is excellent.

November 22, 2005 at 03:58 PM · I have experience with both Brobst in Alexandria, VA and Gailes in College Park, MD. The people at Brobst are always very generous with their time & offer good advice for repairing instruments. Can be a bit pricey, though. On the advice of a friend, I had a violin restored at Gailes & was very satisfied with the result. The service there, however, left much to be desired. My instructor enthusiastically recommends Potter's.

November 22, 2005 at 06:16 PM · Okay, that seals it. I'm going to Potter's. Convenient location, too--10 minute walk from the Bethesda Metro.

November 22, 2005 at 07:03 PM · You won't be sorry.

November 9, 2013 at 04:15 PM · Add to the list of luthiers in Washington DC: John Lemoine, on Belt Road, NW zip 20016. 202-528-2918. He's taken good care of my cello for years.

--Jim Lieberman

November 9, 2013 at 04:25 PM · I will also chime in with my endorsement for Potter's. I've been a very satisfied (and remote) customer for many years. Never had a bad experience with them.

November 9, 2013 at 06:11 PM · EDIT: Geez, I now see that this thread is eight years old.

Potters is the most convenient. Bethesda Metro is probably a very slightly closer walk than Medical Center. (I live a block from Medical Center and Potters is a very casual walk from my house.)

I would say that a recommendation would depend on what you want, though. Potters is a reasonable place to get accessories if you don't want to get them online, or have other minor needs. (I hate changing strings, so I tend to buy them in-person so it's someone else's hassle, for a slight premium to an online purchase.) But they don't take the time to do adjustments, for instance -- they'll, say, set the bridge and the soundpost in what they view as the "right" place but won't do what many other shops do, which is to work with you to try to optimize the set-up.

Howard Needham lives in Silver Spring, but you'll need a car to get to him. He does excellent set-ups. My teacher also recommends him for bow rehairs, although I've never used him for that, personally.