Welcome to the Metzler Violin Shop

Located in a beautiful old adobe building in Glendale, California (just north of downtown Los Angeles), the Metzler Violin Shop has been serving string players in the Los Angeles area since 1979.  We offer a varied selection of fine quality violins, violas, cellos, basses and bows, all expertly set up by our highly trained repair staff. Our other services include repairs, rentals, bow rehairs and lessons.  Thomas Metzler Owner  Tom Metzler gives each customer his full attention in his unhurried, soft spoken style. In 1972, while a violin major at the University of Iowa, Tom decided to pursue his dream of being a violin maker. He headed for Mittenwald, Germany where he studied German until an opening became available at the Bavarian State Trade School for Violin Making. He received a degree in 1976. After a three year apprenticeship with Hans Weisshaar, Tom Metzler and David Rivinus opened a small shop in a second-floor walk-up in Glendale, California. In 1983 they moved the shop to its present location, and David Rivinus left the business shortly after to concentrate on instrument-making.  Barbara Don Co-owner  One of Tom's first customers was Barbara Don. A graduate of Pomona College and a freelance violinist, Barbara rented a room from the violin shop in order to have a violin teaching studio. Tom and Barbara were married in 1983 and Barbara joined the business to help Tom when his partner left. She saw the need in Los Angeles for a sheet music shop specializing in bowed string instruments. For over twelve year she has built a first-rate collection which is now available on the internet.  Tom and Barbara have two daughters. Leah Metzler, age 22 is a cellist and graduate of Oberlin Conservatory of Music, now pursuing a master's degree at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Julia Metzler, 20 is a violinist/soprano in her senior year at San Francisco Conservatory. Teru Yoshioka Violin Repair and Restoration  Originally from Osaka, Japan, Teru came to the U.S. in 1988 to study violin making at the Chicago Violin Making School in Illinois. After graduating in 1992, Teru came to work for the Metzler Violin Shop. He has over 14 years experience in restoration and repair and has earned a local reputation for his tremendous skill in retouching varnish.  Alex Loskutov Violin & Bow Repair and Restoration Born in Santa Clara, Cuba of Russian parents, Alex has lived all over the world.  A skilled violinist, Alex played professionally in Mexico. In 2002 he moved to Italy to study violinmaking at the Civica Scuola di Liuteria di Milano and worked for Heyliger's Violin House in Cremona before moving to Los Angeles to work at the Metzler Violin Shop.  Alex is active as a violin maker, performer and teacher.  In addition to his exceptional talent as a luthier and violinist, Alex speaks fluent Russian, Georgian, English, Spanish and Italian. DeeDee Hoenig Bookkeeping and Customer Service  An outgoing and friendly "people person", Dee Dee is often the first person customers meet at the shop and on the phone. She handles the rentals, bookkeeping, and as Dee Dee says, "whatever".  John Oshita Instrument and Sheet Music Sales Cellist John Oshita earned a BA in English from Yale and a Masters degree in Music Performance from USC, with a stint at Juilliard as well. He spent two years in Sweden studying cello with Franz Helmerson and made his solo debut at age 19 with the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra. In Los Angeles he has freelanced with many musical organizations, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic. John's considerable experience as a teacher and performer makes him a valuable resource to help customers find instruments and sheet music. Teachers at the Metzler Violin Shop Click here to view our Teachers