Since 2001, Lori Faerber-Lacoletti and her daughter Brieann Chapple have curated Austin Strings to provide high-quality, one-of-a-kind service specializing in orchestral stringed instrument repairs, restorations, rentals and lessons for musicians of all ages and skill levels—no strings attached.
The team at Austin Strings offers orchestral stringed instrument repairs, restorations and more. (Courtesy Austin Strings)
The team at Austin Strings offers orchestral stringed instrument repairs, restorations and more. (Courtesy Austin Strings)
Then

Both masters of their craft, Faerber-Lacoletti and Chapple are classically trained to play, restore and repair a range of bowed stringed instruments, including the violin, viola, cello and bass.

Faerber-Lacoletti began working to become a luthier—French for someone who works on stringed instruments—in 1996 and opened Austin Strings in spring 2001.

Chapple said the early days were slow, but she and Faerber-Lacoletti used the downtime to refine their skills on a variety of instruments.

At age 2, Chapple began her musical career with violin lessons and eventually transitioned to the cello.


“Although cello is my main instrument, I can demonstrate any of the strings we have in-house for anyone who wants to stop by the shop,” Chapple said.
Lori Lacoletti began working to become a luthier in 1996, and opened Austin Strings in spring 2001. (Courtesy Austin Strings)
Lori Faerber-Lacoletti began working to become a luthier in 1996 and opened Austin Strings in spring 2001. (Courtesy Austin Strings)
Now

In 2020, Michelle Hedden joined the Austin Strings team with a knack for customized varnishing.

“They’ve been working on bowed string instruments for almost 15 years here in Austin,” Chapple said. “They studied both repair and violin varnishing, and have a bachelor’s degree in painting, so their touch-ups and color work on instruments are excellent.”

Chapple said she enjoys hand-dyeing bow hairs fun colors and always has rainbow-colored hair on hand.


“We like to take time with people,” Chapple said. “Not everything is a quick fix, and each individual musician is unique.”
The Austin Strings team has offered their services to the area for nearly 25 years. (Courtesy Austin Strings)
The Austin Strings team has offered their services to the area for nearly 25 years. (Courtesy Austin Strings)
Also of note

In addition to repairs and restorations, the luthiers at Austin Strings offer instrument rentals.

“Our rental program is geared to each individual; we'll help you pick out your own instrument, bow and case,” Chapple said.

Both in-person and virtual private music lessons are also available at Austin Strings.


“Our teachers set their own rates and do their own scheduling, but we can talk with you about who would be the best fit,” Chapple said.

Austin Strings also has a school orchestral repair program tailored for music educators with busy schedules.

“We do all repairs, rehairs and restorations at our shop, and we pick up and deliver the instruments based on their schedule,” Chapple said.
Services are available for a range of orchestral instruments—both big and small. (Courtesy Austin Strings)
Repairs, restorations and rentals are available for a range of orchestral instruments—both big and small. (Courtesy Austin Strings)
In their own words

“We genuinely love what we do and are dedicated to helping each and every person be successful in their musical journey,” Chapple said. “We are so grateful to be serving the string players of Austin and the surrounding areas.”
Lorie Lacoletti (left) and Brieann Chapple are the mother-daughter duo behind Austin Strings. (Courtesy Austin Strings)
Lori Faerber-Lacoletti (left) and Brieann Chapple are the mother-daughter duo behind Austin Strings. (Courtesy Austin Strings)