Mystic Violin

About Us

Business Hours: 10 AM—6PM Tuesday thru Saturday. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Mystic Violin is owned by Upton String Instrument Company, a retailer and wholesale manufacturer of quality products tailored to the violin family of instruments.  Our products and services have been met with critical acclaim world wide.

Meet Our Staff!

Eric René Roy

Eric began his violinmaking studies at an early age.  At the urging of his symphony directors he enrolled in the North Bennet Street School's violinmaking program located in Boston, MA.  There he studied under some of the trades most respected names, including:  Marilyn Wallin, David Wiebe, Rodney Mohr and many, many others.

Eric worked for over 10 years as an importer of violin family instruments and accessories and played a major role in the development and success of  numerous violin family products.  He leant technical advisement in the early days of Coda Bows and has been thinking of new an innovative products on a daily basis.

Gary Birkhamshaw

Gary founded Upton String Instrument Co. after being disappointed with the quality of the products and services he could find for the double bass in New England.  Starting out of his home selling basses, Gary quickly realized other bass players were as frustrated as he was.  A quick growth of faithful regulars and hard to earn word of mouth recommendations allowed Gary to expand Upton String Instrument Co  into his first storefront in.  Today with Gary's supervision and an ever growing staff, Upton String Instrument Co. is one of the world's premier double bass specialty shops located in historic Mystic, CT.

Over the years of training and hands on work Gary has become a significant figure in the trade as a double bass collector and instrument  restorer, and appraiser. Although his studies are grounded with many makers and repairmen, his main focus is to view the business as he started it, always as a player. Gary soon became infatuated with all of the violin family instruments and began to study their forms.

Gary's repair work is second to none and he always stands proudly behind every aspect of the business. An integral part of the Upton String Instrument Co. Gary oversees and participates in every aspect of Mystic Violin...nothing leaves the shop without the approval of the owner.  Gary wouldn't have it any other way!

John Hanlon

John began a career as a luthier studying with Eric Rene Roy, but also took the opportunity to study with Vladimir Zirinski (Cremona) and Marek Olma (Poland).  Today Jack can be found knee deep in ebony and maple shavings as our Setup Workshop Manager. 

Noah Kaeser

Noah grew up around musical instruments as his father is a harpsicord maker.  Noah has made a number of unique instruments combining artistic sculpture and traditional forms.  He has recently begun plans for an unique violin that is sure to catch your eye!  Noah can be found in either our Stonington Setup Workshop or our Mystic Repair & Restoration Workshop.

Joshua Dubert

Joshua Dubert began his apprenticeship in the Summer of 2006.  He is a formally trained artist working in many mediums and has an eye for color.  This was fully realized when we were touching up a hard to match varnish on a restoration and Josh walked by and said, "add green, it will compliment the red and get you where you need to be". 

With guidance, Joshua is sure to become a skilled setup luthier and to earn a permanent position on our staff.