Testimonials
“Excellent experience at Rafael Carrabba. My husband needed a new violin and bow, and found exactly what he was looking for here- a violin with a lovely, rich sound in excellent condition and a bow that suited him perfectly. That in addition to high quality work, top notch service, and willingness to work in our budget. Rafael Carrabba and his staff exceeded our expectations and are highly recommended.”
“Raphael Carrabba is so genuine he listens to whatever the needs are of my son and his viola. We have tried other places and believe me they didn’t work, so when I heard about Mr. Carraba I was a little skeptical but he put all my fears to rest and showed us that there are people out here in the world that care about people and his staff are top notch they are all really nice and polite. Nafisa is one of the kindest people that we have had the pleasure of getting to know and we have been coming for at least 3 to 4 years now. There are other shops out there but if you are looking for people that are going to listen to what your needs are when it comes to instruments and try to work with you on meeting those needs as well as treat you with respect when you come in and go out of the shop this is the place to be. Thank you Raphael and your staff for always always going above and beyond.”
“Excellent luthiers. Professor Thomas advised me on work to be done & Windsor worked on my cello with great care. Kind bunch of people. Made sure I was happy with the work done. Best quality.”
“I am close to 90 years old, still playing a lovely cello purchased from Carrabba many years ago. My Coletti still sings. Constant, vigilante care from Rafael has given me years of solo and quartet work. My quartets love my cello as much as I do! Rafael’s ear is highly sensitive to bowed string instruments, and if I suspect problems w/ playing, I think it is my shortcoming. But, back to Rafael & my cello
regains the warm tonal response which first enchanted me. An inspiration to meet my grand instrument once again. A thousand thanks, Rafael Carrabba”
“
MY PROMISE
I’ll only work with the best materials available and provide a 1 year guarantee on all labor. I never compromise quality for time and give my clients realistic schedules that accommodate their lives. I strive for honest customer service, so contracts are only paid in full when the finished work is to your complete satisfaction.
SEE MY HANDY WORK
Long story short…
Rafael Carrabba Violins, Inc. was established in 1985 when Rafael bought the business of his former employer, David Saunders. From the age of twelve Rafael worked in the Saunders shop, sweeping floors, grinding bow rosin, polishing violins and, perhaps most importantly, absorbing all the information he could.
During summer breaks from high school, Rafael apprenticed in Chicago with Kenneth Warren & Son, one of the most renowned violin shops in the United States. Upon graduating he worked at Warren’s for an additional year and then moved on to William Moennig’s shop in Philadelphia.
Rafael spent the following four years in London where he worked for the world’s greatest violin expert, Charles Beare. He then returned to Chicago where he worked for Carl Becker. Rafael relocated to London once again to work for Charles Beare for an additional four years then, finally, settled back home in Seattle.
With over forty years in the business, Rafael has become an expert at identifying instruments. He is particularly skilled in appreciating subtleties of the Italian, English, French and German schools of violin making.