How Stuff Works

From General Upkeep, to Instrument and Bow Making, to Historical Discussions, and Everything In-Between!

Have you ever wondered about the processes that go into making and maintaining instruments and bows? Welcome to Denver Violins' "How Stuff Works".

Please peruse below for information on a variety of topics-- new topics will be added regularly, so be sure to check back frequently! A few topics will be covered in each of our quarterly newsletters, so be sure to sign up for that HERE!

All Posts

March 2026 Featured Instrument

A Tononi-Model Cello by Peter Bingen Minneapolis, 2024 Thank you to Kacey Cole Photography! Peter Bingen (b. 1974, Los Angeles, CA) is an award-winning luthier based out of Minneapolis who specializes in violins, violas, and cellos. A graduate of North Bennet Street School, he apprenticed with David Gusset and Andy Carruthers. Recognized for original design and exeptional tone, Bingen's accolades include a 2024 VSA Silver Medal. This instrument is based on a beautiful Tononi

Mackenzie Miller

Apr 161 min read

Scrolls, Scrolls, Scrolls!

L: Scroll of 1775 Nicolò Gagliano Violin for sale at Denver Violins, R: cross-section of a nautilus shell A few weeks ago, as I (Nadya) was wandering around the shop attempting to gain inspiration about what the "big" article in the next newsletter should be, I took a minute to appreciate the beautiful Mark Dearlove cello on display in our lobby with its beautiful f holes, the very cool stamp burned into the back, and its unusual and characteristic scroll. Cue inspiration st

Mackenzie Miller

Apr 163 min read

Blue Bow Concerts: Maggie Brady

Maggie Brady played the inaugural blue bow concert! She played a recital on John Aniano's last bow: a blue bow that Evan was honored to acquire and finish the last few details (including writing John's name in morse code in the wrapping), and the concert was in memory of John, and to raise awareness for the Glioblastoma Foundation . THANK YOU, MAGGIE!!

Mackenzie Miller

Apr 151 min read

Denver Violins: Now on OMO!

Our very own Mackenzie Miller is now on the team at OMO podcast! (Don't worry-- she's still 100% at Denver Violins as well) Be sure to tune into the most recent episode to hear her interviewed about running a violin shop both as a business owner and the head of operations! Click HERE or on the image to the left to stream the episode! She also co-hosted an upcoming episode with Jerry Lynn and special guest Ben Hebbert where they discuss the ins- and outs- of ethics in the vio

Mackenzie Miller

Apr 151 min read

April 2026 Featured Instrument

A Guadagnini-Model Viola by Eduard Miller 15 3/4" Denver, 2023 For sale now at Denver Violins! Our very own Eddy Miller is a Denver-based award-winning luthier who bends a background in music performance with elite technical training. A graduate of the Violin Making School of America, Eddy honed his craft under masters Georg Meiwes, Gregg Alf, and Joseph Curtin. Now specializing in new instruments, Eddy strive to create "musician's companions"-- violins defined by exceptional

Mackenzie Miller

Apr 151 min read

Client Interview: Matt Parsons

Matt spends most of his time playing music, riding a bike, or writing about and engineering software. We've decided to occasionally interview some of the wonderful humans who come through our shop. First up is Matt Parsons, who started learning the cello as an adult, has stuck with it, and has really impressed us with his mindset and persistence! This interview has been edited for length and clarity THE JOURNEY TO THE CELLO Nadya: Was there a specific moment that made you thi

Mackenzie Miller

Apr 153 min read

CITES COP20: The Outcome

In A Monumental Victory for the Global Music Community, Pernambuco ( Paubrasilia echinata ) Will Remain on CITES Appendix II! To quote Alliance-International: Brazil recently proposed moving Pernambuco to Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Today, CITES approved new rules within Appendix II for the use of Pernambuco by shops, makers and musicians. Balancing conservation goals with musical traditions, thes

Mackenzie Miller

Mar 71 min read

Historic Colorado Violin Makers

The first known photograph of Denver City (modern Larimer Square) ca. 1858-1860 taken by Rufus E. Cable At first glance, Denver’s rugged "Wild West" roots seem at odds with the delicate art of violin making. Yet, despite its relative geographic isolation, Colorado has a storied history of world-class lutherie that grew right alongside the silver and gold rushes! During the mid-19th century, "high culture" was the ultimate status symbol for the nouveau riche. To prove their mi

Mackenzie Miller

Mar 73 min read