John Montgomery has worked as an instrument maker and restorer for more than 40 years. John received a Thomas Watson Fellowship to study in France in 1977 prior to attending the Violinmaking School of America in Salt Lake City, Utah and went on to apprentice with William Monical in New York City. In 1983 he founded John Montgomery, Inc. in Raleigh, North Carolina.  

Respected for his restoration of fine instruments, Montgomery is a consultant and advisor to the collections of classical stringed instruments at the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.  John has served as a judge for violinmaking competitions, as faculty in workshops and is a frequent lecturer and panelist. He is co-author of the book The American Violin. Montgomery’s instruments after the works of Goffriller, Stradivari, Seraphin and Guarneri are played in major symphonies across the United States. John is a member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers and the Violin Society of America and has served on the boards of both organizations.

Outside of work John enjoys music, hiking, paddling and his new grandson.

Freda Kerr has worked as our receptionist and bookkeeper since 1992. Her knowledge of the shop’s inventory is extensive. Friendly and responsive, she is eager to assist with all of our customers’ needs. 

Freda's interest in the arts includes a love of dance. She’s a member of Aloha Kanaka O Hula Halau and a performer of Polynesian dance.