Joseph Grubaugh and Sigrun Seifert – Violin Makers
Joseph Grubaugh and Sigrun Seifert are widely regarded as one of the finest violin making teams working today. Partners in both craft and life, this husband-and-wife duo has been collaborating in the art of violin making for over forty years, earning international acclaim for their instruments’ exceptional tone, refined craftsmanship, and elegant aesthetic.
Their instruments have garnered some of the highest honors in the field, including five gold medals and four silver medals at Violin Society of America (VSA) competitions. In 1998, they were awarded the VSA Hors Concours distinction, a recognition reserved for makers whose consistent excellence places them beyond further competition. Their work is played by professional musicians around the world and is held in high regard by both soloists and collectors.
Grubaugh and Seifert’s approach to violin making is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Baroque Italian masters. Through decades of meticulous restoration of instruments by Stradivari, Guarneri, Amati, and other Cremonese greats, they have gained intimate knowledge of the form, function, and soul of these historic instruments. This hands-on study informs every aspect of their work, from arching and graduation to varnish and setup.
In keeping with the collaborative spirit of the old Cremonese dynasties, Grubaugh and Seifert work side by side on every instrument. Their workshop is a model of shared artistry and mutual refinement, blending centuries-old techniques with a unified vision for tonal beauty and structural integrity. Each instrument is built entirely by hand using traditional tools and materials, with careful attention to acoustical performance and visual harmony.
Whether creating a new violin, viola, or cello, or restoring a historical masterpiece, Grubaugh and Seifert bring an uncommon depth of knowledge and a lifelong dedication to the craft. Their instruments reflect not only technical mastery, but a reverence for the living tradition of violin making — a tradition they continue to shape and elevate with each work they produce.
