Marinos Glitsos cello, willow back, 2024, St. Paul, MN | Metzler Violins

This instrument is part of our 7th annual Contemporary American Makers Exhibition, 2024

powerful, resonant, warm, dark

Length: 74.7cm

UB: 35.6cm

C: 25.3cm

LB: 44.7cm

Vibrating string: 67.9cm

I am a professionally trained luthier residing in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

My father was a Greek immigrant and a master carpenter. My mother, while not a musician herself, encouraged my siblings and me to study classical music from a very young age.

I studied the cello for many years, and went on to complete a degree in music performance.

After earning my undergraduate degree I was fortunate to apprentice with internationally renowned lute maker Daniel Larsen. It was here that I was first introduced to violin making and developed the foundation of my tool skills.

After serving a two year apprenticeship in his shop I was accepted to the prestigious Violin Making School of America where I studied for the next three years under award winning violin maker Sanghoon Lee.

Upon graduating from violin making school I was invited to spend the next two years working alongside luthier John Waddle where I worked directly on some of the finest examples of both historical and contemporary instruments.

During this time I was involved in the ongoing CT research done by radiologist Dr. Steve Sirr who pioneered the use of CT scanning in the study of fine violins.

I next joined my friend and colleague Peter Bingen at the Paul A. Schmitt Violin Shop where I provided expert setup and tonal adjustments for more than five years.

I now dedicate my energy solely to the construction of new violins, violas, and cellos which I create in my Saint Paul workshop under the watchful eye of my shop dog, Pam.

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