Wilson Fine Violins

Robert Wilson, luthier and archetier, began his professional training under luthier Dennis Lake of Lake’s Fine Violins in Birmingham, MI. In 1994, Lake offered Wilson a partnership, establishing Lake and Wilson Fine Violins. Wilson then purchased the business, becoming sole owner of Wilson Fine Violins in 1997.
 
Wilson has studied extensively with prestigious instrument makers and restoration specialists. He has traveled to Cremona, Italy, where he studied privately with modern Italian violin makers Massimo Negroni and Maurizio Tadioli. Wilson Fine Violins had the pleasure of hosting Negroni, Tadioli, and Angelo Sprezaga in the repair shop on several occasions, furthering Wilson's knowledge and refinement of technique.
 
Wilson's continuing education includes regular participation in workshops and seminars. He has traveled to the University of New Hampshire to attend summer violin and bow restoration programs with the highly regarded archetier Lynn Hannings. He studied restoration and repair techniques under renowned archetier David Orlin at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
 
Wilson began making bows for violin, viola, cello, and bass in 2001, and is currently undertaking the construction of a Guarneri model violin in addition to his bow work. His bows are available in the shop, where he can be seen progressing with his violinmaking in the afternoons.
 
Expanding his creative endeavors, Wilson began designing custom electric stringed instruments in 2005, producing two quintets for the Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills school orchestra programs, as well as instruments for performers and teachers across the state. These electric instruments are made uniquely for each player and are available by special order.
 
Wilson enjoys an active role in his local music community. In 2007, Wilson Fine Violins partnered with the Birmingham Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition, and continues to host the event every year. Wilson was invited to join the BBSO Board of Directors, where he chairs the educational outreach program. The program has doubled under Wilson's efforts, increasing music appreciation and community engagement.
 
Wilson Fine Violins is a member of the Violin Society of America, the Michigan Violinmakers Association, the American String Teacher's Association, Suzuki Association of the Americas, and the Better Business Bureau.