Michelle Hedden joined the Austin Strings team in 2020 with a knack for customized varnishing. (Courtesy Austin Strings)
Since 2001, Lori Faerber-Iacoletti 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)
Then
Both masters of their craft, Faerber-Iacoletti and Chapple are classically trained to play, restore and repair a range of bowed stringed instruments, including the violin, viola, cello and bass.
Faerber-Iacoletti 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-Iacoletti 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 Faerber-Iacoletti 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)
“We do all repairs, rehairs and restorations at our shop, and we pick up and deliver the instruments based on their schedule,” Chapple said.
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.”
Lori Faerber-Iacoletti (left) and Brieann Chapple are the mother-daughter duo behind Austin Strings. (Courtesy Austin Strings)
