About Us

Who are we?

My name is Joe Alongi.

I rebuild violins under the supervision of a master violin rebuilder in Kansas City.

These violins generally come in two varieties; factory German violins made in the early 1900s and hand made American violins.

The factory German violins are made of excellent wood and having good measurements; however many times they are unfinished (rough) on the underside of the top, the top being too thick. Because the top has too much wood the tone will be dull and unrefined. These can be made into fine instruments by finishing the top according to the proper thickness.

Why the name American Heritage Violins for a factory German violin? Because even though they were made in Germany close to the turn of the century, they were owned and played by Americans and handed down through the generations as a valued heirloom. This makes them truly American treasures. I have and sell a good variety of these rebuilt instruments. All are fine sounding with good power and tone.

Violins have been hand made in America by the many immigrants in good quantities for nearly 200 years. These range from the rough so-called “craft” violins to fine instruments which can be played by the advanced professional. In some cases, the “craft” instruments are the more interesting ones. I have and sell both varieties.