Mr Davy is an amazing man. He was available to fix my very old violin and rent a little one for my son. His shop is amazing and my daughter who loves guitar was impressed with the French style guitars. He was very accommodating to our needs and very helpful when we needed a violin for my son to learn. I cannot emphasize how impressive his string instruments are and his unique artwork at the shop. Stunning! read more

I've been going to Steve Davy for the better part of three decades, and he is quite frankly, the best there is. You will not find a luthier with his unmatched skill, his love for his craft, and his compassion for his clients. I have purchased several instruments and bows from Steve over the years, and the value and generosity he has provided has made my career as a violinist possible. His inventory consists of some of the most fascinating inventory one could hope to discover, some of which are true musical anomalies, the likes of which you're unlikely to find in instruments costing many magnitudes more. If you play a stringed instrument and are in need of an upgrade or a repair, I highly encourage you to check him out. read more

Stephen R Davy Violins - I couldn't find a violin with the same musical qualities as this one from Stephen, were I even to pay ten times the amount elsewhere. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

See all

If you are lucky enough in life, you run into an amazing professional who inspires you and encourages you to grow. In this case, there are two of them: Tommy Davy of djangoguitars.com and Stephen R. Davy of davy-violins.com. (Stephen R. Davy Violins) This father son dynamic duo of luthier/musicians is absolutely the best of the best, recognized worldwide for their skill and talent. Of course they are knowledgeable. What may be less known to people is just how welcoming, down to earth, and helpful they are when you work with them - no matter what your level or ability. Stephen treated my son and me with the utmost respect and professionalism from first contact via text messages, to well after the sale and work being done. They treated us like pros who just walked in off tour and needed an instrument adjustment. They weren't worried about our level except to help assess the instrument, it's playability, and musical suggestions. Thanks to Stephen, my son's beautiful violin and bow are now playing better than ever and we are enjoying our home music making anew! Thanks, gentlemen! It is a pleasure to know you both. I look forward to buying my next guitar from Tommy. I already have it picked out. And, we now have our only violin pro, Stephen, for all our stringed instrument questions and needs. I can't recommend him highly enough. read more

See all

I have been visiting Stephen R Davy Violins for about 6 years for my violin repairs. Over these years, I have received excellent repairs for my violin, its bow and fingerboard. Recently, I purchased two fantastic instruments from this store. The shopkeeper, Stephen, is a kind and conversant man that is willing to help you with any of your instrumental needs. The level of personal assiduity he shows to the instruments and the needs of the musician go far beyond the level that is conventional from most violin shops. Stephen is also extraordinarily knowledgeable about violins and loves to share any instrument's history. He pays attention to all of my needs and ultimately assists me with more than I could imagine. Stephen has been an honest shopkeeper to my family and I, and I am very blessed to have discovered his shop and meet him. Every time I have proposed an issue, he has always shown a willful and diligent effort to help me fix my problems. Stephen is the kind of person that is willing to help you find a solution for your instrumental needs to the best of his ability, no matter how silly it may be. He is flexible, generous, and honest. Communicate, and he will be able to work at his best! I recommend this place to anyone that loves violins, string instruments, guitars, etc; no matter what level of experience you are. If you are in college playing a string instrument, I recommend checking out this place. When it comes to craftsmanship, knowledgeability, and reliability, Stephen R Davy Violins is by far the best violin shop I have visited in all of Orange County. read more

I've been meaning to write this review for a while, but we visited the shop right before covid hit so my mind was elsewhere. My boyfriend and I came from reno in mid February to visit his parents. Since reno doesn't have a big selection of music stores we decided to look for a new bow for myself in the laguna area. At first I was hesitant to stop here because of the size of the building. I didnt think he would have a big selection. Not only did he have a decent amount of inventory it was great quality. We stayed in there for at least an hour just talking about violin related topics. Even my boyfriend, who doesn't know much on the subject, was thoroughly entertained. He said he could've talked to him for another 2 hours. I ended up purchasing a really nice bow from him and he was extremely helpful and worked with me on the logistics of traveling with it and trying it out. He really knows his stuff and he's also very friendly, interesting and helpful. Honestly I can't say enough good things about him. Everytime we go back to laguna I plan to visit him. read more

We were referred to Steohen through my 10 year old son's viola teacher to repair a broken bridge on his vioka. From the start it was clear Stephen knows his trade, values the instruments and truly wants to help people, even in difficult times. As my son got frustrated with a violin-converted-to-viola which wouldn't hold a tune, we turned to Stephen to find an affordable (and I am not saying cheap) but fairly priced beautiful 13 inch Viola. Stephen did not disappoint. He found the perfect Viola and then edicated Alex on the instrument, bow and their origins to Alex's delight. And the sound and quality of the instrument cant be underestimated!!! It sounds beautiful, singing through our home, a high quality instrument! My son who started dreading practicing, is now thriving on this magical viola. I didn't want his interest and talent to go to waste on a cheap instrument that couldn't hold a tune. Stephen shows mastery in his trade (just look at the violins in his studio) and just as important, genuine care for his clients. I thank you, Stephen, for enhancing Alex's skills and passion and working on a plan to afford the viola while our budgets are constrained. You are a blessed man and we are so lucky to have found you! And Alex's teacher is equally thrilled. read more

Stephen R Davy Violins - In Stephen R Dalys violin studio where he makes and repairs violas and violins - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

See all

Stephen was enthusiastic about the potential of my poorly set-up German viola. He thinned the neck and re-worked the bridge with amazing results! Reasonable price, quick turn-around and a joy to converse with as well. I originally took the instrument to a shop in CM- they ridiculed it and and wanted $800 for a complete rebuild! read more

I bought a violin here for $600 and after a couple of years the neck slipped. I took it in for repair and had to be re-glued into place which cost be more. He blamed the cause on it getting "too hot" and thus causing the glue to soften, but I never allowed such a thing to happen. I take care of my instruments. After paying for the repair the same thing happened not long afterwards. I bought another violin elsewhere which I've had many years with no problems. Be careful what you buy here. read more

There's none better than this man! Knowledge, helpful, and just fun to be around. Always willing to help and service our sons violins and bows. So lucky to live so close!! read more

what a treat to find someone with the knowledge that Stephen has regarding violins I called in the morning and he was able to see me that afternoon - I had purchased my violin on Amazon and needed to have him restring my violin and just test it out - he was so accommodating and we just had a lovely conversation and he showed me one of the violins he had made which was just beautiful - I really felt enlightened by the time I left and anxious to start playing my violin - I have not played for over 60 years so it is like starting all over again altho I did remember the strings and can still read music which surprises me. Really recommend Stephen if you are into violins he has quite an assortment. read more

Stephen does incredible work. You can tell from the way he speaks that he has a true passion for what he does, and it reflects in the quality the he produces. Extremely dependable, and always performs great service! I would only bring my violin to him. read more

Stephan is a master violin builder and an expert in repairs. He is a man of integrity. He is kind, honest and very reasonable. If your are interested it purchasing a violin or are in need of a repair this the place to go! read more