May 16, 2008
Local Luthiers: David Michie & William Moennig
Post by Katherine Silkaitis
Tucked among the old-world charm of Rittenhouse Square are two violin shops that keep alive an art founded “” well, in the old world.
William Moennig & Son first opened in Philadelphia in 1909 and the intimate shop, housed in a quaint rowhouse, both sells and repairs violins, violas and cellos. Dick Donovan, a partner in the firm, said the business has always catered to serious players and professionals “” it counts Yo Yo Ma, Sarah Chang and Nigel Kennedy among its patrons. It’s a bit off the beaten path, metaphorically speaking, since the shop accepts visitors by appointment only, and the lay person might feel a little lost among the music-steeped shop. But stepping inside, whatever modicum of musical knowledge one might have is duly impressed by the dedicated reception room. Cabinets of violas and violins line the walls, while miniature replications of Stradivarius’ workshops adorn the mantle. Throughout the building, walls are covered in headshots of various musicians and groups, many of them autographed.
Just blocks away, in a similarly understated storefront, is David Michie Violins. Opened 20 years ago by David Michie, the shop focuses on restoring, repairing and selling stringed instruments. Michie said its clientele ranges from members of the Philadelphia Orchestra to students of Temple University and the Curtis Institute of Music. However, Michie also devotes time to finding a beginning student the proper instrument. “I receive great satisfaction in helping children and families and finding the right instrument for them,” he explained. “I like to see the excitement on the kids’ faces and decades from now, they might remember receiving their first violin from here.”
William Moennig & Son
2039 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
David Michie Violins
1714 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(4 responses)
May 16, 2008, 9:49 am
martin says:
I’m going to have to check these out some time. I’ve always wanted to see what was in there. I feel like there are also pretty famous luthiers of guitars and piano makers in Philly that I would love to check out someday as well.
May 16, 2008, 9:49 am
Lexie says:
I got my viola from Frederick Oster on Pine and the people there were unbelievably nice (well, 10 years ago they were) and helpful–they even steered me away from an expensive instrument for a cheaper one that sounded better. It can be daunting to wander into a luthier’s, but watching the craft is so amazing!
May 16, 2008, 9:49 am
brian says:
Looks like a beautiful shop! Nothing like the glow and aura of melodious woods…
May 16, 2008, 9:49 am
Peter J Lindemann says:
William H. Moennig made me a 17 1/2 inch viola in 1947. I used it for my whole career with the National Symphony{Washington D.C.}. It has a gorgeous, rich, beautiful sound, and the workmanship is without peer. I would like to sell this instrument to a violist who will enjoy it for many years to come as I enjoyed playing it for 48 years!!
Leave a comment