David Frederick, Violin and Bow Maker, was born on July 18th, 1971 in St. Louis, Missouri. His musical and woodworking career started almost concurrently. By the time David was 17, he had constructed 2 guitars and began working at Knilling stringed instruments.

After several years of setting up and adjusting violins in a factory- type setting, he decided he would build one himself. Armed with Heron-Allen's book, Violin Making as It Was and Is, David took his first step into what would become his life’s journey. Six months later, carrying an object resembling a violin, he proudly visited the local violin shop. He could see that the owner of the shop was less than impressed – but generous with complements nonetheless. It was this meeting that led David to gain the favor of famed American Violin Maker Gene Bearden and earned him the opportunity for an informal apprenticeship.

During this time of study, while also reading every book, magazine and journal on the subject of making and restoration, David acquired the skill to secure a position in one of the largest violin shops in the Southeast. While employed there, he had the opportunity to refine his talent while working under German Master Violin Maker Stephanie Voss. Also throughout this period, David continued his professional studies in restoration and Bow Making with AFVBM members Jerry Pasewicz and Rodney Mohr, attended Oberlin/VSA summer courses, and spent a brief period with William Salchow alumnus Michael Yeats.

In 2007 David and his wife Sarah moved their family back to Atlanta to assist a friend and colleague with his violin shop and to allow David to concentrate on making new instruments, and in early 2008 he started working with us at StringWorks, where we are proud to be featuring his instruments.

Some of David's instruments are eligible for the StringWorks trade-in program.