Peter Paul Prier
Violin Maker
Rare • Curated • Timeless
For generations, Peter Prier and Sons has stood as a trusted name in the world of fine string instruments. Founded on the principles of craftsmanship, integrity, and musical artistry, our shop brings together expertise that spans both tradition and innovation. Musicians of all levels, from young students to seasoned professionals, visit us in search of instruments that elevate their playing and reflect their unique sound.
Our Instruments
Our curated collection includes rare and contemporary works from distinguished violin and bow makers around the world, along with historic pieces that carry remarkable stories. We also feature instruments crafted by graduates of the renowned Violin Making School of America, founded by Peter Paul Prier. Each instrument is professionally set up in our workshop to deliver optimal tone, balance, and playability. Whether you are seeking an inspiring student instrument or a concert stage ready violin, our selection is chosen with care and intention.
Our Bow Collection
We are proud to offer an exceptional range of bows that match the quality of our instruments. This includes rare bows from traditional archetieres as well as the complete line of JonPaul Bows and Archet Bows, crafted next door by Jon Hatch and Paul Prier. Known for their advanced carbon composite materials, precise balance, and expressive response, JonPaul bows are played by musicians around the globe who rely on consistency and refined sound.
Our Philosophy
At the heart of our work is a commitment to serving each musician with honesty and expertise. We believe that selecting an instrument or bow should be an experience grounded in trust, personal guidance, and a genuine understanding of your goals as a player. From the smallest repair to the placement of a rare investment grade violin, every step is handled with exceptional care.
At Peter Prier and Sons, every instrument, bow, and relationship is treated with the respect it deserves. This dedication is what continues to guide our work today.
Team
We take great pride in our highly trained professionals who share a philosophy of respect for instruments and musicians.
KAELEN VORONOV
LUTHIERKaelen’s expertise lies in crafting instruments with unparalleled sound quality.
ELARA NERONHA
BOW SPECIALISTElara specializes in bow restoration, bringing life back to treasured pieces.
JASPER HODGE
MASTER CRAFTSMANJasper is known for his meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail.
JASPER HODGE
MASTER CRAFTSMANJasper is known for his meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail.
KAELEN VORONOV
LUTHIERKaelen’s expertise lies in crafting instruments with unparalleled sound quality.
ELARA NERONHA
BOW SPECIALISTElara specializes in bow restoration, bringing life back to treasured pieces.
Peter Paul Prier was born in 1942 in Neumarkt, Schlesien, Germany during World War II. At the age of three he fled with his mother and siblings to the West to escape the advancing Soviet Forces. When Peter was seven, his grandfather walked by a bomb crater and discovered a violin case at the bottom. He opened the case and was surprised to find a full-sized violin in near-perfect condition. He brought the violin back to Peter and began teaching him how to play. The two were soon playing together on the weekends to earn extra money for the family.
Peter excelled at the violin, and at the age of 13, he was offered a scholarship at a conservatory in Munich. While he loved playing the violin, his greatest desire was to learn to make them. He became determined to attend the State Violin Making School in Mittenwald, Germany even though his family did not have the resources to help him realize this dream. At age 14, he left for Mittenwald knowing that his family couldn't even send him money to come home let alone pay for his education.
When Peter arrived in Mittenwald he was told that the school was full. Peter was able to leverage his skills with the violin to gain admittance because they needed a violinist for their orchestra. He remained in Mittenwald until his graduation at the age of 18. About one year later, with his tools, his violin and speaking no English, Peter immigrated to the United States to work for Pearce Music Company, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He became a full-time member of the Utah Symphony from 1961 until 1964 when he was drafted to serve in the Utah Army Reserve.
During these years he met his future wife, Madeline Kay Stewart. In 1965 they married, and Peter opened his own shop in downtown Salt Lake. Peter was also a member of Entente International des Maitres Luthiers et Archetier D'Art, the Verband Deutscher Geigenbauer and a founding member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers as well as the American Society of Violin and Bow Makers.
When Peter arrived in Mittenwald he was told that the school was full. Peter was able to leverage his skills with the violin to gain admittance because they needed a violinist for their orchestra. He remained in Mittenwald until his graduation at the age of 18. About one year later, with his tools, his violin and speaking no English, Peter immigrated to the United States to work for Pearce Music Company, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He became a full-time member of the Utah Symphony from 1961 until 1964 when he was drafted to serve in the Utah Army Reserve.