Side Door Strings

Joel is an exceptionally talented luthier.

I took my bow to get a rehair and grip replacement, and my cello for a yearly checkup and adjustment. After working in a violin shop for a few years and having some minimal lutherie training, I am VERY picky about who I will take my instrument to. My cello is my baby, and I have no qualms about leaving it in Mr. Thompson's care. He fixed a spot on my cello's varnish that had become gummed up and was wearing away, and after Joel worked on it, you can't tell there was ever any damage to the varnish in the first place. The normal wear and tear on my cello's high contact areas that had been bothering me is now gone without a trace and will be protected from future damage thanks to Joel's creative approach.

Furthermore, when I gave very specific specifications on what about the sound I didn't like, he expertly took my cello and adjusted the soundpost to my liking. He can play a soundpost adjuster - forgive the pun - like a fiddle.

Joel takes great pride in his work and is a very talented maker and repair technician, not to mention an incredibly kind and gracious person. I had the privilege of seeing two instruments Joel has made (one finished, and one in progress). His work is exceptionally clean, and his attention to detail is unmatched. My cello has never looked and sounded better, and my bow is in tip-top shape.

Joel is now my go-to guy, and I would recommend him to anyone who wants quality work done on their instrument at a reasonable price in a reasonable timeframe.

Joel took my old grandmas violin and fixed the crack in the base of the end and restrung it and made it sound like it has not sounded like for years . Iam so happy with his work and the end result sounds awesome! If you are looking for quality and superior workmanship this young gentleman will not let you done ! This particular violin is being handed down as a family heirloom and the extra care taken was appreciated and the turn around time was keep to when he promised it back for Christmas. Highly recommended!

He treated my grandma's violin with the utmost care (it's a family heirloom). Joel got it into great playing shape for such a fair price and with quick turnaround.

I highly recommend Joel for all your stringed instrument needs! Great communication, quick turn around times, fair prices and excellent work. He gave my cello a "spa day" plus fixed a buzz that had just developed, and I had it back in 48 hours. Definitely reach out to him if you're considering it - you won't be disappointed!

Work is done in a timely manner. Sometimes so quickly you think it couldn't be done correct that fast. It is not only done that fast, but it is right the first time. From touching up varnish, to eliminating that buzz nobody knows what is causing it; he figures it out suggest the best remedy and does an outstanding job on the repair. My instruments have never been easier to play. His prices are very reasonable for this day and the caliber of work he does. A student scratched the ribs of my viola which he touched up. The upper bout had no varnish left so he basically re-varnished it. Out standing match.