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May 2025 by Aaron
Absolutely top-notch experience with John A. Rowen Stringed Instruments. From the moment I walked in, I could feel the passion and craftsmanship behind every instrument. John isn’t just a luthier—he’s an artist. His attention to detail and dedication to quality is second to none. Whether you’re a professional musician or just starting out, you’ll immediately notice the difference in tone, resonance, and playability of his handmade instruments.
What really impressed me was John’s commitment to individualized service. He takes the time to understand what you’re looking for in a stringed instrument and uses his decades of experience to match you with the perfect fit—or custom builds one to your exact specifications. The repair work is equally outstanding. You can tell he treats every piece that comes through his shop with the same level of care and respect as if it were his own.
The shop itself is warm and inviting, filled with character and the subtle scent of aged wood and varnish. It’s clear John has built something special—not just a business, but a haven for musicians who value craftsmanship and authenticity. I can’t recommend him highly enough. Five stars all the way.
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April 2025 by Gil Selinger
I’m a professional cellist and needed a new end pin in a hurry. John Rowan helped me out and got me back on my cello quickly. Reasonably priced as well! Great guy and a great find on the north shore.
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February 2023 by lulu horn
Masterful, patient understanding luthier. The real deal. Crafted and fit a new bridge, changed out tailpiece, added fine tuners to my fiddle. Couldn't be more satisfied.
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April 2022 by Samantha Meiklejohn
My son broke his violin bow today and had a frayed A string. I called the company we rent the instrument from and they weren’t open. I did a Google search and Rowan’s shop popped up which was amazing and confusing…why does BMS use a vender in Newton Centre if there is an expert in Boxford?!? It was 4:30 when I called the shop and Google said hours were only to 5pm and I live in Beverly. When I called, Mr. Rowan welcomed me to come at 5:15. I got there a little early and he immediately replaced the frayed A string and tuned it. He also noticed the tape around the neck of the violin that was coming off placed by the rental company which he was obviously displeased with the tape on the wood of the instrument and asked if he could fix it and make it right. After a few minutes down in his shop he came back with a violin lined for fingerings but clean and polished on the wood neck of the violin free of sticky tape. He prepped the new bow and played a little tune before packing everything up for me. He didn’t charge me for his time after shop hours, replacing the A string, cleaning up the tape or tuning it. The best and most knowledgeable experience I’ve had in a very long time. We will be switching from our current violin company to Rowan’s in August when our contract is up. I highly recommend ??❤️
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December 2020 by Rae Hallahan
I have been to Mr Rowan twice and he has tuned up a violin and a viola. You know the kind of expertise that only comes with time and real love of a craft? Well he has that. So lucky to have him in the area. The two other people that had these instruments were not the same and he fixed what was wrong in a minute . Fair and accommodating.Update: Just purchased an upgraded violin ...he was helpful in allowing me the time to choose the instrument that suited me best..very happy !
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June 2019 by Emily Yang
Seems to be a good man. He is helping me fix my erhu. He is the master of string Instruments.
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June 2019 by Romelai Casuncad
I was amazed seeing the room full of violin with different sizes and other stringed instruments. He seems good on what he does.
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June 2019 by Christopher Banville
Very knowledgeable, honest and fair!
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May 2019 by Nicole E.
John is the best in the business. He has worked on my violin several times since 2017 doing various cleanings, replacing fine tuners, re-hairing the bow, etc. His consultations are always accurate and efficient and his prices are VERY reasonable for his expert services. John is a highly regarded craftsman in his field and many of the country's top musicians go to John to work on their instruments. His turn around times are very quick and he always handles the instrument with the utmost care and precision. Highly recommend him for work on any string instrument.
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February 2019 by Emily Lecuyer
Seems to be a good man. He is helping me fix my erhu. He is the master of string Instruments.
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November 2018 by Romelai Casuncad Schindelman
I was amazed seeing the room full of violin with different sizes and other stringed instruments. He seems good on what he does.
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August 2018 by Chris Banville
Very knowledgeable, honest and fair!
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October 2017 by Ginny Bain
Very nice person - helpful and had what we were looking for. Please note that this place is actually by appointment only and is someone's residence!
