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The Payton Difference
Musical Instruments in Rochester NY
We are proud of every instrument we represent and take pride in the integrity of our work, our non-harming ethics, and our truthful values. We operate from a point of compassion and service, vowing to do no harm and leave all instruments (and clients!) in a better state than when we encountered them. We are a trusted supplier & servicer of musical instruments in Rochester NY. At Payton Violins, we specialize in crafting and selling a wide range of stringed instruments, including modern violins, violas, and cellos. Our experienced luthiers are dedicated to using traditional techniques to create instruments that are not only beautiful but also produce excellent sound quality. Trust our modern violin makers to craft your next instrument.
Nestled in the vibrant Neighborhood of the Arts, our violin store stands as a beacon for music enthusiasts seeking the finest violins for sale near you.
At our prime location at 250 N. Goodman St, we are proud to offer an unparalleled selection of exquisite violins, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship that has been revered for years. Our commitment goes beyond just selling instruments; we provide a hub for events and a level of service that resonates with our dedication to the art of violin. Discover more about how we bring a unique musical experience to your doorstep.
Payton Violins enriches your musical journey through dedication.
Payton Violins is here to help, guide, and advise as you grow your skills and sound. Whether you’re a beginner just getting started, an amateur player looking for an upgrade, or a professional looking for a bespoke precision instrument, we have the knowledge and expertise to make sure you’re getting an instrument perfectly suited to your abilities and musical goals. Our exemplary team not only curates the finest instruments but also helps fine-tune each instrument’s setup to ensure quality sound production and playability. We even go beyond the instrument itself, providing all the needed musical accessories to help you grow your skills.
Let Payton Violins support you through every milestone on your musical journey.
Our Team
Sam Payton - Owner
Sam Payton has been specializing in creating instruments and bows for players of all levels for decades. Starting his career as a luthier in 2006, Sam has gained comprehensive experience working with Christopher Germain Violins, Mount Airy Violins & Bows, Fred Oster Violins, and Tarisio Fine Instruments & Bows, to name a few. From servicing the instruments of professional players to helping advanced students perform at a higher caliber, no detail is overlooked.
Danielle Payton - Owner
Danielle is the heart of Payton Violins, a calm and collected force that drives home all core values to customers. From treating everyone who walks through the door with integrity and respect to building trusted relationships with musicians and their families, Danielle is an embodiment of the heart and purpose behind Payton.
David Hauck -Retail Operations and Cello Sales Manager
David is a Rochester native who began playing the cello when he was eight years old. David had the pleasure of studying with Kathy Kemp of the RPO from 2004-2013, and renowned chamber musician Mimi Hwang from 2013-2017. He was a member of the Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra from 2009 to 2013 and has had the privilege of touring and performing internationally in Ireland, Poland, and the Bahamas. Most notably, David has played with the Bahamas National Youth Choir and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
David attended Nazareth College and graduated in 2017 with a degree in Music Therapy. After completing his music therapy internship in 2018, he began working at Payton Violins and has since worked as the Manager of the Rental Department and Cello Sales. David finds great joy in inspiring the next generation of musicians and matching them with their perfect instrument.
Greg Tracy - Associate Luthier
Greg is originally from Kansas City and grew up among a family of musicians. He got his start in the field during high school, learning violin making and repair from his uncle Ken Beckmann. He attended the Chicago School of Violin Making and, after graduating in 2014, returned home to continue working with his uncle and apprenticed with Amos Hargrave in Lawrence, Kansas. In 2015 he was offered a position at Triangle Strings in Raleigh, North Carolina working under Jerry Pasewicz. He has regularly attended the Oberlin Violin Restoration Program at Oberlin College, learning from some of the best restorers in the industry. Greg joined the Payton Violins team in 2018 and has enjoyed being able to work with great musicians in the Rochester area.
Our Instruments
From contemporary originals to our restored classics, all Payton Violin instruments—violin, viola, and cello—are guaranteed to be of the highest quality and to offer a musical experience like no other.
Contemporary Originals
Violin making has achieved new heights. The emergence of world-class violin making schools paired with our modern understanding of acoustics have led to many modern makers being able to achieve both projection and nuance. Payton Violins offers instruments from award winning violin and bow makers from across the globe.
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Antique & Vintage Instruments
Payton Violins specializes in finding special, older instruments worldwide and bringing them into peak condition and tone. We have an in-depth knowledge of historical makers, workshops and schools of making. With Payton Violins acoustics and restoration expertise, our customers can get a fine vintage European instruments in excellent condition.
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Workshop Instruments
Payton Violins has instruments from global workshops. These workshop instruments offer students access to properly set up instruments that ensure excellent, reliable playability at an affordable price. Featured workshops include Eastman Music Company, Heinrich Gil, Jay Haide, as well as bows from Arcos Brasil, L’Archet Brasil, and Codabow.
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Discover Your Sound
From Concertgebouw to Carnegie Hall
Our instruments bring music to life on stages across the country and around the globe.
Our Sound Investment Guarantee
Purchasing an instrument is a special event in a musician’s life. Make your decision with confidence with the Payton Sound Investment Guarantee.
It begins with our expert guidance in helping you select your instrument, followed by our professional set-up and fine-tuning to ensure peak performance. We offer outstanding conditioning and unparalleled sound adjustments, and we back everything up with our 100% trade-back guarantee.
Read more about our free home trials and trade-back policies »