Fred Carpenter - Owner Fred started violin lessons at age 7, and began his professional music career at 17. He recorded his 1st solo album “CUT LOOSE” with Mark O’ Connor at age 20. In 1980 Fred joined the Tony Rice Unit, and recorded 2 albums, ”Still Inside” and “Backwaters”. During this time, Fred also studied three years as an apprentice with Loveland Violin Shop in Santa Rosa, CA. He learned extensive repair and restoration techniques, as well as the skills and knowledge required to run a shop.

In 1987, Fred moved to Nashville and began touring with Emmylou Harris and the Hot Band. That same year, he opened “The Violin Shop”. Fred continued to tour with various artists including Ronnie Milsap, Suzy Bogguss, George Strait, and Paul Overstreet. In 1992, Fred recorded his second album, “In The Stillness ” with Russ Barenberg and Roy Huskey Jr. Fred spent the next 14 years building what has become Nashville’s premier violin facility. During this time he attended numerous violin auctions, studied violin history and identification in depth, and became the players choice for violin and bow repairs. Fred is one of the top bow rehairing specialist in the world. He also focuses heavy attention on buying and selling fine violins and bows.