John Ryster Violins

I Build Custom Violins in Eastern Kentucky.

I've been building these handmade Appalachian instruments since 2019.
Get on the waitlist!
John Ryster playing one of his handmade violins
Contact me at
jryster@yahoo.com

About me

Hi, my name is John Ryster and I build custom Appalachian violins from my home shop in Hogtown Ridge in Rowan County, Kentucky. I learned how to build instruments from Tommy Case of Georgetown, Kentucky through the Kentucky Arts Council apprenticeship and have been busy building them for folks ever since. Musicians from all over the U.S. are proud owners of my violins.

Services

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Custom Appalachian Violins

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Authorized dealer of Calton Cases

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Violin repair

My work

Recent Work
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A closeup of the scroll on one of John's handmade instruments. A closeup on the F hole of one of John's instruments. A closeup on the back of one of John's instruments.

process
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An artful closeup of a scroll and upper bout of unvarnished parts of John's instruments. John's instrument with the Morel mushroom scroll at the unvarnished stage, also known as "in the white" Three of John's instruments, two of which are "in the white."

in action
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A thumbnail of legendary fiddle player Kirk Sutphin playing John's #8 fiddle. Fiddle player (and web designer of this very site) playing John's #10 fiddle. Fiddle player Phil Jones playing John's #2 fiddle while it's in the white.

Testimonials
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Here's what people are saying about my instruments

To have such a balanced and boisterous voice out of such a young instrument only makes me more eager to hear how it will develop over my lifetime of playing it. I'm proud to play a John Ryster violin and I know you will be too.

A small thumbnail of Fiddle player Cody Tinnin playing the banjo.
Cody Tinnin
Fiddle player

I love the fiddle that John made for me. It has so much character in its sound & feel. I also appreciated the way he went above and beyond to make sure the instrument was exactly how I wanted it.

Small thumbnail of fiddle player (and web designer of this very site) Pete Thompson standing in front of some vegetation.
Pete Thompson
Fiddle player

I'm so happy with my Ryster violin! Not only does it sound amazing, play easily, and is beautiful to look at...it's got soul. It's a new fiddle, yet it gets better every time I pick it up. I'm looking forward to many, many years of making music with #8.

Small thumbnail of fiddle player Sarah Pirkle.
Sarah Pirkle
Fiddle player

Accolades

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Winner - 2023 Appy Award for Best Luthier

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My instruments have been featured in Tyler Childers' live performances