I came here a few years ago - Luthier Okkyum is very honest, knowledgeable and patient. He worked on my violin for a week, adjusting the soundpost, changing and shaving the bridge to lower a weird angle that was lifting the E-string too high and fixed the loose seams. Reasonably priced - I'll be returning here to get my violin serviced in the future. read more

A truly honest luthier who knows their craft. I went in for an evaluation and left with a much better understanding of my cello. It's hard to find someone this genuine and helpful. Definitely worth a visit. read more

Okkyum is an outstanding luthier and wonderful person - couldn't recommend him enough! I've been going to him for bow rehairs and instrument repairs for years - he's the best. read more

Okkyum with Okkyum Violin is a professional, honest, responsible and great luthier. I'm very happy I found his shop after several negatives experiences with some other luthiers. There are many instrument repair shops in SoCal, but very few fine ones. Okkyum Violin shop is definitely one of them. My cello needed some fixing and well as bow to be re-haired. Okkyum went above and beyond and even fixed my cello's sound post, even though he didn't have to. I also was able to pick my instrument and bow up a day before the deadline - this was my request, and Okkyum honored it. His rates are reasonable for the work his does. I highly recommend his shop for any string instrument repair and a bow re-hair. read more

I owe a long overdue review on Okyum Violin. I have known Mr. Kim for a few years now because my son plays the cello. I had heard about Mr. Kim's exceptional craftsmanship from multiple industry professionals, praising the quality of the instruments he creates. After comparing cellos from different shops, including Robert Cauer, we decided to purchase my son's cello from Okyum Violin due to its outstanding sound quality at a reasonable price. Last year, my son's cello suffered major damage due to an accident. However, Mr. Kim repaired it to perfection, and we couldn't even notice where the damage had occurred. His standard of instrument repairs is truly exceptional. In addition to his skill, Mr. Kim is honest, kind, and talented. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone in need of instrument services. read more

I rented a cello last fall but i was having all these problems with it. Had a friend who is a string musician look at it and immediately he pointed out all the issues of the cello bc it wasn't set up properly. And it made sense why my experience wasn't so great. So I purchased a student cello so I can modify it. This brand claimed that it was handmade and inspected by a luthier. Terrible, it looked just like my rental cello and it had the same issues as my rental cello. Mr Kim fixed the issues he found for me. I feel much better about the cello even I could tell the difference. Also you can check out his handmade instruments and certainly mine pales in comparison. If I ever get better and deserving of a handmade cello, I'll have to purchase it here. read more

I've had my violin and viola bows regained by him for a while now. Okkyum discusses hair choice, creates a nice even spread of the hair, and lets clients test run them on the spot. I've always been 100% satisfied. He's cut bridges for both my instruments as well as sound post fittings. Now my instruments sing like angles. Excellent workmanship, great prices, and speedy turn around time. read more

Okkyum Violin - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Irvine, California

Mr. Kim was so lovely to go to and communicate with! I brought in an extremely neglected cello (left in a case in a hot living room for years on end) to be examined and maintenanced. My cello is not high end by any means, but he treated it with the utmost respect and was never condescending or chastising. He explained to me the issues that he saw and why they can occur, and it turned out that luckily a new soundpost and bridge was all it would take to get it back in playing order. My bow was a lost cause not worth rehairing, which I was really grateful for the honesty on (cheap one that had come with my instrument). I was really grateful that Mr. Kim suggested a new bridge that was lower, since I'm a hobbyist player at most now and it would make it easier to play. Handcarving both pieces and placing them took a week, the exact timeline he had mentioned to me, and when I came to pick it up he showed me how to adjust the bridge and pointed out that a chronic rattle on the cello was now entirely gone. Plays like a dream now! In my rush, I'd actually left my case behind, and he brought out my cello to my car to place it in a way that best protected the instrument. Loved my experience and will absolutely come back in the future. Thank you, Mr. Kim! read more

Okkyum Violin - I forgot my case, so Mr. Kim came out to set up my car to protect my cello. So kind of him! - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Irvine, California

We took our old violin to Okkyum Violin and our violin came back to us as a different and beautiful version of its former self. I don't have the words to describe how amazing and magical our old violin now sounds. Thank you, Okkyum Violin! read more

Mr. Kim is an excellent violin maker and he has been an enormous help since I was in high school. My former violin teacher recommended him to me when I was looking to upgrade my violin as a senior in high school, and I ended up investing in a violin, an absolute beauty completely handmade by Mr. Kim. It has served me well since then -- as a college student entering her senior year, soon to play a concerto with my college orchestra, Mr. Kim's artistry has been a huge factor in my growth. He's also been so kind about making sure my violin and bows are repaired/rehaired every time I visit home (plus he gives it an immaculate repolishing every time)! Thank you, Mr. Kim -- there's no doubt you're the best in Southern California. read more

Came here to replace a viola tailpiece. He only uses high quality parts so it lasts longer and more reliable. Very fast service with reasonable price. Highly recommended. read more

A lovely shop. We had a very small repair and he kindly and quickly repaired our violin while we waited without charging us a fortune.

Had a wonderful experience here. The craftsman's skill is clearly evident and he is a lovely person as well. Grateful to have found such a skilled maker in the area but would happily drive any distance to this shop. He clearly cares about his craft and his clients as well as his love of music and his family. Please make an appointment first. Highly recommend. read more

It was my first time taking my cello for maintenance, and I was not sure where to bring it. Mr. Kim was very thorough and explained to me what needed to be repaired. He made and curved a high-quality material bridge and it changed the sound of my cello. Thank you so much. I am satisfied with his amazing work in a short period. I will come back for the next maintenance. read more

I'm so grateful to have found Okkyum. My violin is really special to me, and he took such great care of it. My bridge broke off and I needed all new strings, and he made it look beautiful! I definitely recommend him and will be back for any future repairs. read more

We loved our experience. Mr. Kim was personable and cares deeply about his craft. He took such joy in my 7 year old daughter's interest and questions (although we went in for my violin). It's clear that he delights in music, but he also delights in children. I know that his kindness to her will contribute to her interest in music. Also, he was clear, responsive when we had to communicate through phone messages, he was patient as we took a few days to commit financially to the repairs, and consistent with his timeline and price quote. read more

Mr. Okkyum, clearly a violin master, took the time to string my cheapie violin. He makes violins and has a display of masterful pieces in his showcases. He could have just dismissed me, but was very kind. If in the market for high end violins, definitely visit!!! read more

I have been a professional musician for 50 years. Back in the day, in Los Angeles, there were some wonderful old school violin shops where you could develop a relationship with the luthier, and trusted that your instrument repair was in good hands. Much of that has disappeared. But no more! I recently discovered Okkyum Kim in Irvine, California. Okkyum is amazing. He is a true artist. His studio is beautiful, his repair work is impeccable, and his violins are works of great artistry. On top of all that, he is a wonderful person, possessing charm and a welcoming personality. My husband, who is in the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and I, are thrilled to have found Okkyum. If you are in LA, San Diego, or surrounding areas, he is well worth the drive to Irvine. read more

This is a great shop for instrument repairs! Okkyum did a fantastic job on my viola - he cleaned up the dull/dirty spots on the varnish expertly, gave me a wonderful rehair, and best of all made me a new soundpost that completely transformed the sound of my instrument. I am thrilled with the work he did, and it didn't hurt that he quoted me a great price and was friendly and respectful throughout the process. I will be taking all of my business to him from now on - thank you Okkyum! read more

I took my son's violin here for a repair. It is a small beautiful workshop and the owner is clearly an artisan and expert in his trade. I would highly recommend this shop. Please make sure you make an appointment as it seems he doesn't take walk ins. read more

Mr. Okkyum is where I go for everything related to my son's violin needs! We have always experienced an amazing time with genuine service and advice! This is the place to go! read more

I got my violin bows rehaired recently and I cannot stress enough how amazing and professional Mr. Kim is! He is THE MAN of INTEGRITY. He literally took the bow apart and showed me how the rehair process was going to be done and pointed out some issues that he said he would fix. He did a fantastic job and I'm 100% satisfied. He is very attentive to detail, honest, passionate and very knowledgeable in his field of work. As long as I stay in Socal, I know I will always be going to his shop to get my violin bows rehaired/violin fixed!!! read more

Okkyum came recommended from a woman that I bought my cello from. It needed to be tuned since it hadn't been used in 2 years as her daughter had outgrown it. Okkyum builds some of the finest violins from scratch so his abilities to tune an instrument is a given. He took about 15 minutes tuning the Cello and it sounded beautiful. I would highly recommend anyone that needs tuning or repairs to take them to Okkyum as he is a master at his craft. read more

This man is truly magnificent! His care, attention to detail, and passion for making instruments is one of a kind. He restored my dads 65 year old violin preserving its antique characters yet making it new again. This is the most precious gift my sons ever received and will cherish it forever. I love telling the story how Kim played for us when we picked up the violin. Our boys were speechless with his grace. Thank you for your unique skill and passion for what you were born to do! read more

My violin was not producing the sound it did when I first bought it, so I took it in to Okkyum. He completely changed the sound of my violin. Very quick, fairly priced, and a nice person to work with. It was also much easier driving to his shop in Irvine than the other shops in LA. Highly recommend! read more

Wonderful service. Excellent work. Will use again and recommend to friends and family. Thanks Okkyum for taking care of all our cello needs. Ed read more

After reading glowing reviews on Yelp, I brought my sister's 26-year-old violin to Kim Okkyum for repair (new strings, new bridge, re-hairing both bows) last Tuesday, and picked it up 7 days later. Mr. Kim treated me like a VIP and did impeccable work, meeting his estimate of both cost and time needed for repair on the nose. From what I can tell, he is a master in his field, a gracious artisan, and warm, hospitable business owner. Mr. Kim told me that he received his training in violin construction in Australia and Italy. Because varnish is extremely important to a violin's quality, he elects to import the raw ingredients from Italy to make his own; he very kindly offered to touch-up two small dings on the face, free of charge. His shop and work area are clean and welcoming. One of his customers recently entrusted a Stradivarius, valued at $7 million, to Mr. Kim for repair, and I was quite taken with the beautiful, hand-crafted violin on display, one that he'd made, as well as his charitable contributions in support of musicians worldwide. My sister is delighted to know that her violin was repaired with utmost skill and care. Thank you, Mr. Kim; your dedication and service are much appreciated. read more