Kevin Chapin

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with the shape and sound of the violin.  As a youth I began violin lessons and went on to play trumpet and percussion. Throughout my schooling I could often be found tweaking instruments, repairing brass and woodwinds, and doing full restorations of antique rope tension drums, which was an interest I developed through marching in a local fife and drum corps.  An attempt was made to make a violin unassisted and I quickly realized that further education in the craft was necessary.

In 2007 I moved to Illinois to learn the trade of violin making at the Chicago School of Violin Making.  During that time I also worked for Master Maker Petio Kostov where I learned from his techniques and studied fine violins.  Upon graduation I was taken on at Michael Becker Fine Violins to undertake in-depth restoration work. While there I continued to build violins at my home workshop.  Feeling a need to expand my knowledge of bows, I took a job for Kenneth Stein Violins doing bow work and selective violin restoration.  There I became acquainted with Master Cello Maker William Whedbee.  William took me on as his apprentice and taught me what goes into making a truly fantastic instrument.  I later submitted an instrument into the 2014 competition at the Violin Society of America Convention and received a tonal award for my 7/8 model cello.

After moving back east, I started my own shop in Norwalk, Connecticut and later moved to New Haven, Connecticut where I enjoy doing client repair work as well as making and selling violins, violas, and cellos.  I am accompanied in the shop by my trusted assistant Max. Alissa Chapin, my loving wife keeps the business proper and running smoothly. Residing in the shop is the pug, Fester who is sleepy and friendly. My son Roland may also make an appearance.