MARK E. RUSSELL
VIOLINMAKER
Official Luthier of the 2018 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis
Maker of fine stringed instruments for discerning professional artists
10682 SHERBORNE ROAD FISHERS, IN 46038, USA TEL: 317.595.9144 merviolins@comcast.net
ENDORSEMENTS
SERVICES
RESTORATION
Revitalizing old instruments while preserving integrity and originality
ADJUSTMENT
Delicate and personalized tuning to meet the highest standards of performance
BOW REPAIR
Precise bow maintenance and rehair using top-quality materials and expert craftsmanship
SALES
Fine instruments and bows for sale
GALLERY
BIOGRAPHY
After a few years of repairing and making various stringed instruments, I accepted a position in the workshop of Ole Steffan Dahl on January 1st, 1980. During this period, Ole instituted the String Tech program at Indiana University, where I also attended as a member of the initial class.
An invitation from Johnson String Instruments in 1982
led me to Boston, where I worked alongside Roger Johnson, in their string repair department. Returning to Bloomington in 1984, I founded my current business: Mark E. Russell Violins, where I became acquainted with many of the faculty at Indiana University.
In 1987, I was awarded a Fulbright grant, leaving for England to attend the famed Newark Technical Institute, completing a violinmaking diploma, while receiving private extensive training in advanced instrument restoration under the tutelage of a former workshop manager of J.&A. Beare, London.
Upon receiving my diploma, I returned, and ultimately decided to reopen Mark E. Russell Violins in 1991. In 1994, I received the honor of being awarded the esteemed title: “Official Luthier of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis”, and have continued in that capacity every competition since.
Life has now come full circle, and I am currently teaching as adjunct professor in the String Tech program at Indiana University.