Established in 1985, Rafael Carrabba Violins served musicians worldwide for four decades. While the Queen Anne Hill shop has closed its doors to walk-in clients, Rafael Carrabba continues to offer expert restorations and sales of fine instruments and bows through private appointments across the U.S. and Europe.
Rafael Carrabba Violins was founded in 1985 in Seattle, Washington, when Rafael Carrabba purchased the business from his former employer, David Saunders. Rafael’s journey began at the age of twelve in Saunders’ shop, where he swept floors, ground rosin, polished violins and cellos, and learned the fundamentals of the craft.
During summer breaks from high school, he apprenticed at Kenneth Warren & Son in Chicago, one of the most respected violin shops in the country. After graduating, he continued working there before joining the prestigious firm of William Moennig & Son in Philadelphia. He then worked in London alongside Charles Beare, widely regarded as the world’s foremost violin expert. Eventually, Rafael returned to Seattle.
As a master luthier, Rafael Carrabba is known for his expertise in identifying fine instruments and his knowledge of the nuances of Italian, English, and French violin making. He is also highly regarded for his restoration work, particularly of cellos, and is sought after by symphonies, universities, and private collectors.
In early 2025, Rafael officially retired from the shop. He continues to work privately on restorations and sales of fine instruments and bows across the United States and Europe.
As of May 2025, Rafael Carrabba Violins is closed. Mr. Carrabba is available for private hire and consultation on a limited basis. He continues to represent instruments and bows for sale. For appraisal-related inquiries, email info@carrabbaviolins.com. While Rafael is not providing new appraisals, he will renew appraisals previously issued by Rafael Carrabba Violins within recent years. Please note that photographic documentation will be required for this service. Repair and restoration inquiries should be directed to the luthiers and bow specialists below.
Instrument repairs -
Scott Allen: 206-609-5398 / luthierscott@gmail.com
Windsor Lindberg: 206-588-2616 & 508-409-8096 (cell) / windsorlindbergviolins78@gmail.com
Bow rehairs and repairs -
D. Lemmi Bows in Edmonds: 425-224-5689 / debbie@dlemmibows.com
Seattle Met, Fit as a Fiddle https://www.seattlemet.com/arts-and-culture/2010/03/rafael-carrabba-violins-0410
Seattle Times, Strad on the Run https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/classical-music/strad-on-the-run-rare-instrument-restorer-rafael-carrabba-accomplishes-task-of-a-lifetime/
Carruthers Violin, Violin Safari https://www.andrewcarruthers.com/violin-making-safari-pacific-northwest-2013/