About Steve Rossow
Philosophy
My work as a professional luthier is grounded in a love of music, an appreciatiation of beautiful things, a commitment to good design, and an extensive knowledge of stringed instrument history, structure, and “physiology.” I understand what makes a Guarneri violin sound the way it does and why, if you’re looking to play bluegrass guitar, you would want a dreadnaught-style instrument.
Technique & Process
As a musician myself, I make my instruments to exacting standards: they must sound, look, and feel exceptional. Drawing from the classic Italian violin makers and traditional models of vintage American guitars and mandolins, I build instruments that embody ideals of artisanship, musicianship, and aesthetics. Every instrument gets my full attention and dedication. As a one-man shop, I alone am responsible for seeing a piece through from conceptualization to final finishing, as well as for maintaining strong relationships with the people who play my instruments. Musicians often come to me with very specific requirements and expectations in mind. I consult with them to determine the proper wood selection and body style to meet their tonal goals. Back and side-woods are cut from my own stock of hand-selected lumber that has been aged for years. Spruce tops are ordered directly from the person who cut the trees. And because no two pieces of wood are the same, each top is individually voiced to achieve optimal sound quality.
Education & Teaching
I graduated from the Guitar, Violin, and Archtop Construction programs in Red Wing, Minnesota, and subsequently apprenticed with a member of the renowned American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers. I recently returned to the Red Wing school as a visiting instructor, teaching Acoustic Guitar Set-Up in the fall of 2004 and Violin Ebony Work in the fall of 2006. I have represented the school’s guitar program at the Healdsburg Guitar Festival and Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans Conference.
Today
For almost a decade, my workshop has been housed in the historic Northrup King Building in Minneapolis’ Northeast Arts District. In addition to building stringed instruments, I also repair and restore violins, violas, cellos, and the 1904 St. Paul house that I share with my wife, Betsy, and our dog, Lou.
