David Finck ⩙ Luthier

Fine Violins • Violas • Cellos • More

- sculpting wood and sound since 1984 -

Discovery Requires exploration.

My violins, violas, cellos and hardanger d’amores help inspire the musical lives of professional players, advanced students, and dedicated amateur musicians.

I make them one at a time in the mountains of
North Carolina.

“My life has been dedicated to fine craftsmanship for over 40 years. I do this work from a place of love and integrity imbued with a deep respect for tradition. Yet I love experimenting and I keep a playful attitude to keep it all fresh and interesting. Perhaps we will join and together to create a rewarding musical experience for you that may last for years to come.”

"Beautiful, burnished Old World sound and fantastic projection. I saw and played your cello. Wow! It is marvelous. Craftsmanship of the highest level. Bravo."

Julian Schwarz

Cello Soloist, Associate Professor of Cello Shenandoah Conservatory

I am thrilled with my new Finck cello. From the very start, it felt natural under my fingers, and fits my style of playing physically. Even more, it fits me musically, and I love its warmth and depth. I am particularly grateful for the care of its maker in his communication with me, and continued care for the instrument. Thank you David for my new cello!

Yumi Kendall

Assistant Principal Cello Philadelphia Orchestra

"After researching many violins for more than a year I'm very happy to acquire one of David’s Strad models — his opus 25. The violin has a great sound and plays great. All his fiddles play great!”

Jason DePue First Violin Philadelphia Orchestra

“I’ve had the chance to play a number of David’s violins and violas and they are delightful! They each have their own character and deliver power, quality, and depth. The violas were resonant and easy to produce sound evenly throughout the entirety of the instruments. After auditioning a violin I quickly perceived the excellent value of the instrument and purchased one for my household of three violinists. I attest that David produces consistently high level, professional quality instruments that are well worth a look.”

Erick Wyrick Concertmaster New Jersey Symphony, Concertmaster and Artistic Director Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Lecturer in Violin Performance, Princeton University

Phour Phincks in Philly

One musician, three instruments.

In January of 2026, Jason DePue, violinist in the first section of the Philadelphia Orchestra purchased my violin Op 25.

In March of 2025, Yumi Kendall, assistant principal cellist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, purchased my cello Op. 34, the second cello that I made.

Congratulations to my daughter Willa Finck who earned a spot in the second violin section of the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra in the Spring of 2023. A self-administered pat on the back to the proud father for making violin Op. 28, which accompanies her on this musical adventure to the stratosphere of classical music making.

Five Fincks in NYC

One musician, four instruments.

The Bergamot Quartet is a New York City-based string quartet devoted to playing the music of living composers. The members are Ledah Finck, Composer and First Violinist (performing on my Op. 1); Sarah Thomas, Second Violinist; Cellist Iréne Han (performing on my Op 33, my first cello, and lovingly dubbed “Pierre”); and Violist Amy Tan (performing on my Op. 29 and lovingly dubbed “Gerald” — Note: Martine Thomas has succeeded Amy on viola as of June 2025 ). They play wonderful music which deserves to be heard and will reward your listening time richly. Keir GoGwilt is a violinist, composer, and musicologist who was born in Edinburgh and grew up in New York City where he currently lives. He plays my Op. 42, a Hardanger d’Amore calling it his “favorite modern instrument”.

And found with current and former members of the Charlotte Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Pacific Symphony, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, Charlotte Civic Orchestra, International Contemporary Ensemble, and more.

Here is a little video treat!

First Look

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