Benjamin Ruth – Violin Maker

For over forty years, Benjamin Ruth has been prolific in his creation of fine violins, with many of his instruments featured in leading violin shops nationwide. From his studio on Boston’s North Shore, he focuses on the creation of custom instruments for active, professional musicians. Ruth’s instruments have been internationally recognized as evidenced by numerous awards and honors over the years, including gold medals for both violin and viola in the 2012 VSA international competition. He also received a top prize for tone at a recent competition of the British Violin Making Association in London.

After graduating from the Violin Making School of America, Benjamin Ruth received advanced training with Rene Morel at Jacques Francais Rare Violins from 1979 to 1982. He went on to open a shop in his hometown of Philadelphia and then in 1989 joined Reuning & Son Violins in Ithaca, New York, a shop specializing in restoring fine instruments. When Reuning & Son Violins moved to Boston in 1994, Ruth remained in Ithaca to concentrate on his violin making. 

Ruth is a leading participant and teacher in the Oberlin Violin Making Workshop, a highly acclaimed event where many of the world’s finest makers gather to exchange ideas and knowledge. He has also participated in similar professional development events in Europe.

Regarding his violas, Benjamin Ruth says, “I like to think of the violas as the models Stradivari would have arrived at if he had been interested in violas. It’s doubtful he was, as he made only a dozen of them, and didn’t create a new model after about 1690. In fact, my model is based upon the famous Andrea Guarneri known as the “ex Compte Vitali”. I took its sublime body proportions, but reduced its oversized corners. In addition, I designed a smaller-sized scroll, without the cello style peg box, to maximize playability. Also, I pay great attention to carving the neck and fingerboard to be as comfortable and playable as possible.”