Justin Hess is a Philadelphia-based violinmaker where he established his studio in 2019, after nearly a decade in New York City making instruments for renowned musicians as Workshop Foreman for Samuel Zygmuntowicz.

Justin's appreciation for string music started young, originally kindled by his mother, an orchestral cellist. This combined with his deep interest in acoustics, aptitude for woodworking, and inherently high attention to detail translate naturally to making exceptional instruments.

He is a graduate of the violin making and repair program at the North Bennet Street School, where he was awarded for Distinguished Craftsmanship. He went on to work with Christopher Germain and Frederick Oster, focusing on restoration, before moving to New York to concentrate on making new instruments with Zygmuntowicz in 2011.

Justin is dedicated to making fine instruments for musicians with the highest standards. His time working closely with elite musicians who are required to fill expansive halls shapes the focus of his making to serve those needs with responsive, colorful, and nuanced instruments.

Justin is a member of The American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers. He has participated in three international Violin Society of America biannual competitions and was awarded a Silver Medal for Violin Workmanship in 2016, a Gold Medal for Violin in 2018, and a Double Gold Medal for Violin in 2022.