Markus Laine opened his eponymous shop in New York City in 2014, to make, restore and appraise instruments and bows. His creations have since been selected by artists for performance in concert halls throughout the world. Gil Shaham’s 2014 recordings of the Bach Sonatas and Partitas for Violin were made with Laine’s bow. In 2022 Laine was commissioned to make bows for the entire string section of the Vaasa City Orchestra of Finland.

Laine’s interest in this craft came naturally to him as he was born into a Finnish family renowned for cabinet making. His earliest childhood memories are of playing in his grandfather’s workshop surrounded by the wood and tools used to create fine furniture. For Laine instrument making was a natural progression from his interest in wood working.

Laine studied violin making at the Newark and Sherwood College in England. He has worked for Philip Brown Violins in Newbury, England and for Christophe Landon Rare Violins in New York City.

Laine is a member of the Entente Internationale des Luthiers et Archetiers; the British Violin Making Association; and the Federation of Violin and Bow Makers of America, where he was elected Governor in 2021.

Laine also is an avid fan and restorer of vintage motorcycles.

Picture by Yuti Chang