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

His interest in this craft came naturally as he was born into a Finnish family renown for cabinet making. His earliest memories are of playing in his grandfather’s workshop surrounded by the wood and tools used to create fine furniture.    

Instrument making was a natural progression to his interest in wood-working.  He studied violinmaking at the Newark and Sherwood College in England.  He worked for Philip Brown Violins in Newbury and Christophe Landon Rare Violins in New York City.

He is a member of the Entente Internationale des Luthiers et Archetiers, and the British Violin Making Association and the Federation of Violin and Bow makers of America, elected Governor iin 2021.

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

Picture by Yuti Chang