Among the most highly regarded contemporary violin makers, Benjamin Ruth has been active in violin making for 50 years, and concentrates on creating ideal instruments for today’s musicians with demanding careers.

Mr. Ruth is committed to the highest standard of artistry in violin making, and is a leading participant and teacher at the Oberlin Violin Making Workshop, a highly regarded program where top notch makers from all over the world come together to exchange ideas and knowledge. Mr. Ruth is currently involved the program's project of copying an exceptional Stradivari violin, the ‘Harrison’ of 1693. He has also participated in similar professional development groups in Europe.

For the last 31 years, he has concentrated exclusively on producing new violins, violas, and cellos for discerning artists. Having been awarded gold medals in three distinct Violin Society of America competitions, he has been designated “Hors Concours” and has served as a Judge for the VSA. He also received a top prize for tone at the most recent competition of the British Violin Making Association in London. This past fall Mr. Ruth served as a member of the jury at the 2024 prestigious Triennale competition in Cremona.

After graduating from the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City, Benjamin Ruth received advanced training with Rene Morel at Jacques Francais Rare violins in New York. Hr established his own studio in Philadelphia in 1981. He joined Reuning & Son Violins in Ithaca, New York, specializing in restorations, in 1989. He remained in Ithaca to concentrate on making violins after Reuning & Son moved to Boston in 1994, but relocated to Boston in 2004 as well, and now lives and works in Swampscott, in the Boston area.

Benjamin Ruth is a member of the America Federation of Violin and Bow Makers and the Violin Society of America. He also serves on the advisory board of the North Bennet Street school - one of the three violin making schools in the US.