Luke Mercier Handmade Violins and Banjos

Luke Mercier Handmade Violins and Banjos Luke Mercier- Owner Expert restorer, maker and dealer of Stringed Instruments. Specializing in Violins and Open-back Banjos.

Located in the heart of Hastings County.

This is an exciting time in the workshop having had three very interesting violins come through. This one came in last A...
04/20/2026

This is an exciting time in the workshop having had three very interesting violins come through. This one came in last August before my accident but was reunited with its owner this past Friday.
It is a fine example from the maker François-Louis Pique, born in Roret (Vosges) 1758 - 1822.

He established himself in 1777 in Paris and became a violin maker for the Paris Conservatory.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts.

In April, I was tasked with evaluating whether an old 3-string double bass warranted restoration. It proved to be an exc...
11/13/2024

In April, I was tasked with evaluating whether an old 3-string double bass warranted restoration. It proved to be an exceptional discovery; in my 32 years of violin restoration, I had only come across one other such original 3-string. The instrument had endured suboptimal storage conditions for over 65 years following its shipment from Scotland in 1957, leading to significant ungluing. Remarkably, the bass maintains its purity, complete with its original Oak tailpiece and endpin. The string scale measures an extensive 43 inches, necessitating custom-made gut strings and a copper-wound bass string. Presently, its tuning stands at GDG.

As part of an extensive restoration, I am currently closing the body of an 1886 French 3-String double-bass, a rare find...
10/09/2024

As part of an extensive restoration, I am currently closing the body of an 1886 French 3-String double-bass, a rare find due to the prevalence of 4-string conversions. Remarkably, it still features its original endpin, bridge, fingerboard, nut, and soundpost. Additional details will be shared as the project progresses towards completion.

I am thrilled to have received my copies of the 2025 Strad Calendar today, a highly anticipated annual tradition as a vi...
10/08/2024

I am thrilled to have received my copies of the 2025 Strad Calendar today, a highly anticipated annual tradition as a violin restorer and maker. This edition holds particular significance, as I have had the privilege of working on, studying, and learning from the featured instruments through my ongoing collaboration with George Heinl & Co. Ltd in Toronto.

On the bench today is a beautiful violin attributed to Stefano Scarampella, dated Mantova 1919. I appreciate the knife-c...
10/01/2024

On the bench today is a beautiful violin attributed to Stefano Scarampella, dated Mantova 1919. I appreciate the knife-cut chamfers on the underedges of the front and back, as well as the subtle scoring of the blade tip into the ribs.

I recently discovered this vintage Polaroid featuring my esteemed colleague and friend, Timothy Bergen, and myself, capt...
08/04/2024

I recently discovered this vintage Polaroid featuring my esteemed colleague and friend, Timothy Bergen, and myself, captured on July 23rd, 1997 at George Heinl & Co. Ltd, Toronto. Our joyful expressions are a testament to the privilege we had in studying and restoring three iconic fiddles. Above Timothy Bergen's shoulder are the 1689 'Baumgartner' Antonio Stradivari, the 1702 'Lyall' Antonio Stradivari, and the 1729 'ex-Heath' Guarneri del Gesu in hand.

Address

Stirling, ON
K0K3C0

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

613-395-2841

Website

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