Claire Givens Violins, Inc.

Claire Givens Violins, Inc. It is the mission of Givens Violins to acquire, sell, and restore fine violins, violas, cellos, and bows in service to the string-playing community.

We provide repair with an eye toward preserving and protecting instruments for succeeding generations.

Summer isn’t over yet, but don’t let lessons, rehearsals, and concerts sneak up on you. Practicing is always a good idea...
08/21/2026

Summer isn’t over yet, but don’t let lessons, rehearsals, and concerts sneak up on you. Practicing is always a good idea and the methods you use matter! The Strings Monthly newsletter has great tips for using practice time wisely and effectively: https://mailchi.mp/stringsmagazine/strings-monthly-08102026

We think having a designated practice environment—like our cozy practice room pictured here--that is welcoming and inspiring can make all the difference. Comment some of your favorite practice tips and tricks below!

Strings Magazine

While function is the number one most important thing in selecting a rosin, it’s a bonus that so many rosins come in suc...
08/19/2026

While function is the number one most important thing in selecting a rosin, it’s a bonus that so many rosins come in such attractive packaging! Here are some of our most popular rosins, not only for their aesthetic. Which is your go-to rosin? Let us know your favorite.

This violin was made by Arthur II and John II from the Betts family in 1851. The Betts family was one of the most promin...
08/18/2026

This violin was made by Arthur II and John II from the Betts family in 1851. The Betts family was one of the most prominent names in English violin making, known for both craftsmanship and their deep connection to fine historic instruments. The family is also closely associated with the famous Betts Stradivari violin, one of the most renowned Stradivari instruments, which helped cement the Betts name as a benchmark in the history of fine violins.

This violin is a very well-preserved example of the work of the Betts’ in excellent condition. It possesses a dark, warm, and resonant tone that immediately captures the listener’s ear and offers the player a beautiful singing quality with clarity, depth, and a rich tonal color across all strings.

https://www.givensviolins.com/product/violin-arthur-john-betts-london-1851/

The weather may be getting to you, but don’t let it get to your instrument!It’s important to maintain consistent humidit...
08/14/2026

The weather may be getting to you, but don’t let it get to your instrument!

It’s important to maintain consistent humidity to keep your violin, viola, or cello happy. Drastic shifts in humidity can cause swelling and shrinking, moistening and drying, leading to a myriad of problems – including cracks, poor sound quality, deterioration, temperamental tuning pegs, wonky bridges, seam separations, mold and mildew issues – the list goes on.

Products like silk bags and Boveda Two-Way Humidifier packs help create a stable environment for instruments and guard against temperamental climates.

https://www.givensviolins.com/services/accessories/

Here in the Twin Cities, we weathered a storm together as friends, neighbors, and community members. In his newest relea...
08/13/2026

Here in the Twin Cities, we weathered a storm together as friends, neighbors, and community members.

In his newest release “Neighbors”, longtime friend of the business Cellist Matt Haimovitz collaborated with students and colleagues from the University of Minnesota to pay tribute to the residents of Minneapolis and Saint Paul for their strength and resilience in enduring the ICE occupation. The three track EP features works by Ernest Bloch, David C. Dickau, and Julius Klengel and raises up themes of “community, remembrance, and the power of collective voice” (Pentatone).
Listen at the Pentatone website: https://www.pentatonemusic.com/product/neighbors-ep/

Or, on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube

From a violin making family, award-winning violin maker Louis Otto was a son and pupil of his father Johann Karl August ...
08/11/2026

From a violin making family, award-winning violin maker Louis Otto was a son and pupil of his father Johann Karl August Otto. After several years of working together with family members, and later the renowned A. Heichers in Hanover, he established his own shop in Düsseldorf around 1872. Known for their excellent workmanship and great wood selection, his instruments are sought after by musicians and collectors.

This violin is a fabulous example of Louis Otto’s astonishing wood selection and possesses a clear, brilliant sound while also able to be sweet and bold. The clarity and strong projection make it easy to be expressive and nuances heard.

https://www.givensviolins.com/product/violin-louis-otto-dusseldorf-1912/

Get them before they’re gone! Gewa Air cello cases are superior in quality--lightweight while ultra protective AND avail...
08/07/2026

Get them before they’re gone!

Gewa Air cello cases are superior in quality--lightweight while ultra protective AND available in range of colors. Our staff cellist Matthew keeps his very own cello safe with one of these sleek and beautifully designed cases.

https://www.givensviolins.com/product/cello-case-gewa-air/

It was a joy to see CarlaMaria Rodrigues in the shop recently! She is the principal violist for the San Francisco Opera,...
08/05/2026

It was a joy to see CarlaMaria Rodrigues in the shop recently! She is the principal violist for the San Francisco Opera, and our workshop manager Doug Lay has been maintaining her fabulous viola since she was a Minnesota Orchestra member. We are proud to work with a player of such high-caliber as CarlaMaria, and we strive to serve all musicians with superb offerings at each step of their journey.

Born in Sorgà near Mantua, Gaetano Gadda (1900-1956) is widely regard as the only true pupil of master maker Stefano Sca...
08/04/2026

Born in Sorgà near Mantua, Gaetano Gadda (1900-1956) is widely regard as the only true pupil of master maker Stefano Scarampella.
This violin is in an excellent state of preservation and shows the typical Mantuan tradition. It has a rich, warm, and focused core sound, strong projection, and remarkable acoustic consistency across all strings. Under the bow, it responds easily and offers a wide range of tonal colors.

https://www.givensviolins.com/product/gaetano-gadda-mantua-c-1950/

Address

1201 Marquette Avenue Ste 150
Minneapolis, MN
55403

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+16123750708

Website

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