Amos Hargrave began his violin making career in 1974 at the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City studying under Paul Hart and Peter Prier. Upon graduating in 1977, he continued in the workshop of Peter Prier until 1979 when he went to work for the firm of Jacques Francais Rare Violins Inc. In New York, where he developed his restoration skills for three years under the guidance of Rene Morel. He then became the chief restorer for Eric Chapman Violins in Larchmont, New York, before establishing his own shop in Charlotte, NC in 1983. In 1990, Amos moved his studio to the Aspen area in Colorado where he focused on instrument making and worked with musicians attending the Aspen Music Festival.
Since opening his own shop first in Charlotte in 1983, Amos has produced many violins, violas, and cellos patterned after and inspired by work of the best classic Italian makers. In addition, his workshop has become well known for professional maintenance, repair, and restoration work for musicians and fine instrument owners nationwide.
Amos moved his shop to the Kansas City area in 1996, and finally, to Lawrence in 2001. He continues to craft new instruments, serve the string playing community with expert repair, set up and adjustment work, as well as maintaining a select stock of new and antique instruments for sale.
Amos has been a member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers of America since 1986.
Awards from the International Violin Making Competition ~ Violin Society of America
Gold medal for Viola Workmanship ~ 1980
Gold medal for Viola Workmanship ~ 1982
Gold medal for Violin Workmanship ~ 1982
Gold medal for Violin Sound ~1982
“Hors Concours” status ~ 1984
Distinction given to makers who have won 3 or more gold medals at VSA competitions
Violin Society of America Workmanship Judge ~ International Violin Making Competition – 1986, 1996
International Society of Bassists Workmanship Judge ~ Bass Making Competition – 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009
Art of Sound Workmanship Judge ~ Violin Making Competition – 2012
Hargrave,Amos B.
