Steve Carlson

Steve_AboutRaised in Boulder, Colorado, Steve moved to Bozeman, Montana to study Architecture at MSU in 1972. His passion for banjo playing led him to opening a music store, “The Backporch Pickin’ Parlor” in 1976. At that time there were numerous quality guitar brands available; Martin, Mossman, Gurian, Taylor, as well as quality banjo brands; Ome, Stelling and Deering. The Pickin’ Parlor became well known throughout the northwest for the many high quality instruments in stock, and people would drive all the way from Seattle and Denver just to pick on, and from, the banjo selection . . . but there was no such thing as a quality mandolin available . . . which was quite frustrating for Steve.

In the summer of 1977 Steve and his wife Maxine went to their first bluegrass festival, the Rocky Mountain Bluegrass Festival at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Henderson, Colorado. It was at that festival that Steve came upon a card table vendor setup with two little mandolins that sounded just great. Steve thought these mandolins would be a great addition to the Pickin’ Parlor and he immediately bought both of them, taking them back to Montana. Over the course of the next year Steve had sold and reordered about 10 of these mandolins and then the maker, Chuck Morrison, informed Steve that he would not be making any more mandolins. It was just not profitable for him to continue. Chuck was a guitar maker and did repair work for a local Boulder music store. Steve, frustrated with the thought of losing this great mandolin for his store, quizzed Chuck about how hard it would be to build these mandolins (and being extremely entrepreneurial Steve had considered that; since he had sold 10 of these mandolins in the course of a year, in the little town of Bozeman, then surely every store in the country could sell them). Chuck seemed to think it would be possible to learn so Steve convinced his friend Dennis Balian to partner with him to setup and build these little mandolins. For $200 Chuck sold Steve and Dennis a single page plan/drawing of the mandolin and a list of the tools they would need. They bought a bandsaw, drillpress, belt/disc sander, and a spray gun, but despite best efforts, it seemed they could not get past the dovetail joint. Steve was always busy with lessons and Dennis was busy playing music and skiing. Mandolins were just not happening.

In December 1978, the Carlson’s were visiting Steve’s folks in Boulder for Christmas, and they met up with Chuck for lunch at the Boulderado Hotel. At that time Chuck’s desire was to leave Boulder and move to Vermont where he wanted to live and build classical guitars. Steve still wanted to build mandolins so he convinced Chuck to move his family to Montana and build mandolins first, for at least a year. Vermont wasn’t going anywhere, so why not build some mandolins on the way? Steve bought out Dennis from their partnership and Chuck and Steve became partners in the new ‘Flatiron’ mandolin company, with the 1st models shipping to stores in the spring of 1979. Early sales continually outpaced production which became a source of contention between Chuck and Steve, and while remaining friends, the partnership never really worked all that well. After a year was up, Steve bought out Chuck, who then moved on to Vermont.

With Chuck’s departure, Steve’s role in the Pickin’ Parlor diminished as he dove headlong into retooling and fixturing the fledgling mandolin company. First help and insight into jigs and such came from Dave Brough, a local violin maker. It was however, a chance meeting with Bob Taylor at the summer NAMM show in Chicago, probably 1980, that really changed the course of things. Steve was sharing a booth with Greg and Janet Deering and all three; Flatiron, Deering, and Taylor were staying at the same $34/night motel about 30 miles north of the McCormick Convention Center. After setting up their booths they all went out for pizza. For some reason Bob really got a kick out of listening to Steve talk about different problems with production and he offered up an endless stream of suggestions. Things he had gone through at Taylor Guitars, things he had tried, what worked and what didn’t. Steve and Bob developed a fast friendship and for years their conversations would go something like this. Steve: “We’re having a problem with ‘A’, and this is how we currently do it.” Bob: “Yes, we used to have that problem, and we fixed it by doing ‘B’. But I’ve thought about it a lot and if I had the time I think I would try ‘C’.” Steve: (2 weeks later) “Bob, man you’ve got to set up and do ‘C’. It works great! Just perfect! Now our problem is ‘D’, and this is how we currently do it.” To which Bob would reply: “Yes, we used to have that problem, and we fixed it by doing ‘E’. But I’ve thought about it a lot and if I had the time I think I would try ‘F’.” Steve: (2 weeks later) “Bob, it’s fantastic!” . . . well you get the idea.

Steve is probably first and foremost a puzzle solver. He likes asking questions, and excels at finding the answer. He is a romantic who likes to think through the possibilities of ‘why not?’ He simply loves making great stuff. With the purchase of ZETA he’s now put himself back in the instrument making mode, something he loves to do and excels at. With his first 44 new Zeta’s nearing completion he can’t wait to jump into the next batch; buckeye burl, redwood burl and macassar ebony. The 1st new Zeta Upright Bass and Cello are going together now and Steve is looking forward to building a custom matching set of instruments.

“The path leading to what one finds merit in doing is most often found by taking a step forward”
Steve Carlson

Read more at “It’s been 21 years”

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1 week ago
ZETA Violins

Special Order Dark Cherry Burst . . . Oh My!

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy
... See MoreSee Less

Special Order Dark Cherry Burst . . . Oh My!

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy

Comment on Facebook

The Best electric violinā¤ļø

I'd rather test drive the violin.

Too cool for words

Can you special order a 6-string? If you can check with Fortevio because they have their 6-string neck profile and radius perfect! šŸ¤žšŸ»

Love it!

The Bugatti of violins ā¤ļøā¤ļø

Superbă!

Sa lek kushton

Both are Well designed and made of extreme high quality!

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2 weeks ago
ZETA Violins

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy
... See MoreSee Less

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy

Comment on Facebook

Love that one!! šŸ¤šŸ–¤šŸ¤šŸ–¤

Amazing!!!

That is Deep!!

Moje marzenie šŸ˜

Coundo vale

šŸ’Æ

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3 weeks ago
ZETA Violins

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy
... See MoreSee Less

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy

Comment on Facebook

Heartbeat! Keep on thumpin’.

Beautiful! Betcha it sounds phenomenal! šŸŽ¶

My violin 🩵🩵🩵🩵

Way to go Bob, for his part in this beautiful instrument!

Will you guys consider making a Zeta 6-String? 6 is becoming the new standard and I only play 6-strings now.

Absolutely amazing

ZETA Violins The Best !

I heard it’s slow response when you hook it to pedals ļæ¼

The blue color that you get on these instruments, just spectacular

Am achiziționat! Super instrument! Felicitări în tot ceea ce faceți!ā¤ļø

Zeta djazz violinšŸ‘♥ļø♥ļø♥ļøšŸ‡¦šŸ‡æ

šŸ’™šŸ’™šŸ’™

:* šŸ’™šŸ’™šŸ’™šŸ’™

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4 weeks ago
ZETA Violins

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy
... See MoreSee Less

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy

Comment on Facebook

ZETA Violins , The Best !

Keep them coming!

šŸŽ»šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡øšŸŽ»šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø

šŸŽ»šŸŽ»šŸŽ»šŸŽ»šŸŽ»šŸ‘šŸ‘šŸ‘šŸ‘

Zeta Rules! šŸŽ¶

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1 month ago
ZETA Violins

Mystical Adventures . . . Part V

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy
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Mystical Adventures . . . Part V

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy

Comment on Facebook

I love these adventures!

You make some beautiful instruments. The Astronauts need to take one up and play it on the moon.

Excellent.

FAR OUT MAN!!

1 month ago
ZETA Violins

Mystical Adventures . . . Part IV (I was 30 . . . building Flatiron F & A style carved top mandolins . . . Keith McMillen was 26 . . . building his '2nd generation' of ZETA electric violins . . . one went to Jean-Luc Ponty)

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy
... See MoreSee Less

Mystical Adventures . . . Part IV (I was 30 . . . building Flatiron F & A style carved top mandolins . . . Keith McMillen was 26 . . . building his 2nd generation of ZETA electric violins . . . one went to Jean-Luc Ponty)

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy

Comment on Facebook

There is NO illusion that Zeta Stands Out among all other Electric Violins!

2 months ago
ZETA Violins

Mystical Adventures . . . Part III (Contemplation)

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy
... See MoreSee Less

Mystical Adventures . . . Part III (Contemplation)

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy

Comment on Facebook

Strikingly beautiful!! šŸ’ššŸ–¤

I love my JLP!!!!! ZETA!!!!!!!!!!!

Amazing and beautiful work you do.

Looks familiar!🤣

Cuanto vale ?

Na jepni ne andres

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2 months ago
ZETA Violins

Mystical Adventures . . . Part II (arrival of the 6th Element)

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy
... See MoreSee Less

Mystical Adventures . . . Part II (arrival of the 6th Element)

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy

Comment on Facebook

Algún número de teléfono??

2 months ago
ZETA Violins

Mystical Adventures . . . Part I

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy
... See MoreSee Less

Mystical Adventures . . . Part I

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy

Comment on Facebook

always the best is Zeta! I am loving mine since I got it!

I know I love my JLP

Amazing !!!!!!!!!

Excuse me, why is this brand so expensive? what makes them so special?

amazing black queen šŸ–¤šŸ–¤šŸ–¤šŸ–¤šŸ–¤

Beautiful!! šŸ–¤šŸ–¤

INDIA šŸ‡®šŸ‡³?šŸ˜’

Zeta djazz violinšŸ‘

Moje marzenie ā¤ļø

š–§š—ˆš— š–¬š—Žš–¼š— ? š–Æš—…š–¾š–ŗš—Œš–¾ ?

Si mund ta porosisim

Ce pret are.

E originala?

Que precio ese modelo de 4 cuerdas

Great !!!!

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2 months ago
ZETA Violins

LEGENDS . . .

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy
... See MoreSee Less

LEGENDS . . .

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy

Comment on Facebook

Creative both in innovation and in marketing!

Clever

moje marzenie <3

3 months ago
ZETA Violins

Our ZETA JV45 Fusion TransBlack BlackEdge Burst continues to gain in popularity . . . but seems to be developing a bit of an attitude here lately.

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy
... See MoreSee Less

Our ZETA JV45 Fusion TransBlack BlackEdge Burst continues to gain in popularity . . . but seems to be developing a bit of an attitude here lately.

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy

Comment on Facebook

LOVE IT!

A beautiful instrument!!! 🄰🄰

Beautiful!!!

Love it!

Lovely šŸ˜ šŸ‘Œ šŸ‘

ceva cu spaidar man aveti ? šŸ˜‚ e frumoasa foc ā¤ļø

Nice what a price?

Woooow!

Sa kushton

Nice look

Nu-i foc šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚Stefan Sahaidac Stefan Dragoi

ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøšŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤šŸ¤¤ā¤ļøšŸŒ¹šŸŒ¹šŸŒ¹šŸŒ¹šŸŒ¹šŸŒ¹šŸŒ¹šŸŒ¹ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøšŸŒ¹ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøšŸŒ¹šŸŒ¹ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøšŸŒ¹šŸŒ¹ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøšŸŒ¹šŸŒ¹ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøšŸŒ¹šŸŒ¹ā¤ļøā¤ļøšŸŒ¹šŸŒ¹šŸŒ¹ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøšŸŒ¹šŸŒ¹šŸŒ¹ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø

♥ļø♥ļø♥ļø♥ļø♥ļø

šŸ‘šŸ‘šŸ‘šŸ‘šŸ‘šŸ‘šŸ‘

Nice! ā¤ļø

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3 months ago
ZETA Violins

Custom ZETA Acoustic Pro for Yilian Orama. Thank you Yilian for bringing your sunshine into the world. Check out her video here:
www.facebook.com/zetaviolins/videos/920835249043501

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy
... See MoreSee Less

Custom ZETA Acoustic Pro for Yilian Orama. Thank you Yilian for bringing your sunshine into the world. Check out her video here:
https://www.facebook.com/zetaviolins/videos/920835249043501

ZETA . . . available at these fine music dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy

Comment on Facebook

I am in love with this amazing violin. Thank you so much ZETA Violins for the art of creation the most beautiful sunflower 🌻 violin for me.

Beautiful!

3 months ago
ZETA Violins

Thank you Yilian Orama . . . bringing your sunshine into the world. So BEAUTIFUL! ... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

I love this!

Love ā¤ļøšŸŽ¶

Lovely!

4 months ago
ZETA Violins

2023 finds us making progress on ZETA's new website featuring all new pics. Forcing myself to find a little bit of time for some photo fun . . . hopefully fun for you as well.

Stop by and check out our recent shipments to these fine ZETA dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy
... See MoreSee Less

2023 finds us making progress on ZETAs new website featuring all new pics. Forcing myself to find a little bit of time for some photo fun . . . hopefully fun for you as well.

Stop by and check out our recent shipments to these fine ZETA dealers:
Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy

Comment on Facebook

Very nice, ZETA!!

That should be made into a large poster. That is creative and stunning!

The most wonderful violin s ever

A beautiful Violin😘😘

Wow what a great looking fiddle

Beautiful ~!

Gorgeous!!! šŸ’™šŸ’™šŸ’™

The best!!!!

The best

Nai dobrata violina

Price?

Sa kushton

ā¤ļø

🤩

Te pedí informes de la tienda de Carolina del norte

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4 months ago
ZETA Violins

Finished up 2022 strong, with many custom builds and a wide array of classic ZETA's . . . all thanks to you and these fine dealers:

Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy

Be sure and stop by and check out their recent ZETA arrivals. You'll enjoy, I'm sure!
... See MoreSee Less

Finished up 2022 strong, with many custom builds and a wide array of classic ZETAs . . . all thanks to you and these fine dealers:

Electric Violin Shop . . . Durham, NC USA
Fly Music . . . Bosanci, Suceava, Romania
Henglewscy Music Salon . . . Poznan, Poland
Scavino Musica . . . Torino, Italy

Be sure and stop by and check out their recent ZETA arrivals. Youll enjoy, Im sure!

Comment on Facebook

I used to run Zeta 93-98 with my wife Laura while in Oakland. Glad to see you’re doing well Steve.

I think this is my Violin that i ordered last year in November!!! Its a beautyšŸ˜˜šŸ˜˜ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø

have been using mine for more than 20+ years... living in my dream ...

Beautiful. Betcha it sounds good to!

ZETA makes my dreams come true every time I plug in my MIDI mandolin!

Așa e și a mea, doar ca e pe cuie ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø

Incredible Picture, Amazing Violins and Makes a Perfect Gift!!!

Electronic violinist in Korea - Jo A Ram

Zeta from Steve Carlson after 2 years after two years of playing, besides the fact that there are many problems with brige and preamp ! šŸ¤¦šŸ¾

In love with my Zeta šŸ˜šŸ„° ALWAYS! 🤩

I want this violin!!!!

Nothing but the best. They are beautiful.

Fantastik n.1

My God! She's GORGEOUS! šŸ˜šŸ˜šŸ˜

Sa kushton

CATALIN Stefan Sahaidac

Puedes enviarme el catálogo de violines disponibles en Carolina del Norte porfavor gracias

šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡øšŸŽ»

we are waiting for the famous zeta violin factory to bring back the smile on our face with something new, a sound card with a more equal and deeper super sound!

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1 years ago
ZETA Violins

Received today from ZETA's Poland dealer Henglewscy Music. Thank you Nell for sharing with us. An odd juxtaposition of heartwarming and heartwrenching at the same time. Violinist Pavlo Lesiuk, escaping from Ukraine and making it to Poland where resident Cellist Szymon Walenciak and Pavlo find a moment to share some music. Our prayers go out each day for all of Ukraine and all those impacted by the tragedy unfolding in Europe. ... See MoreSee Less

Video image

Comment on Facebook

what is the price of a zeta violin?

ZETA Violins - do you have distributors in or near Toronto/Canada?

Wonderful!

Can One like….borrow one for a year…? Asking for a friend… will buy it once that friend pays in installments…

2 years ago
ZETA Violins

Ready for Day 2 . . . Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival (OIBF) - Guthrie, Oklahoma. Despite some early rain yesterday . . . when the music started at 3:00 pm it was one gorgeous afternoon and night full of that sweet bluegrass sound resonating from the stage and parking lot. We all miss Byron Berline, a good friend and longtime supporter. I think he'd be touched by all the fans that have turned out and the great bands carrying on the legacy of the OIBF festival he started. Rest in peace Byron.

Back in the vendor tent we had a good number of players testing out our ZETA fiddles and mandolins. Our ZETA Stage Mando turned quite a few heads . . . more than one were seen returning a time or two . . . pulling some tone and checking out that pickup.
We're hoping to get one up on stage before long, perhaps tonight?

Tomorrow afternoon, Saturday, is the Young Bluegrass Musicians Scholarship Benefit Auction. ZETA is donating an Acoustic Pro 4-Stirng Fiddle for the auction. If you want to bid you can message me your bid. Auction starts at 4:00 pm Saturday. Serious bidders will be messaged by me live during the auction if desired. So this is a great opportunity to take part and support an over the top worthy cause and own a ZETA Pro 4 .
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Ready for Day 2 . . . Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival (OIBF) - Guthrie, Oklahoma. Despite some early rain yesterday . . . when the music started at 3:00 pm it was one gorgeous afternoon and night full of that sweet bluegrass sound resonating from the stage and parking lot. We all miss Byron Berline, a good friend and longtime supporter. I think hed be touched by all the fans that have turned out and the great bands carrying on the legacy of the OIBF festival he started. Rest in peace Byron.

Back in the vendor tent we had a good number of players testing out our ZETA fiddles and mandolins. Our ZETA Stage Mando turned quite a few heads . . . more than one were seen returning a time or two . . . pulling some tone and checking out that pickup.
Were hoping to get one up on stage before long, perhaps tonight?

Tomorrow afternoon, Saturday, is the Young Bluegrass Musicians Scholarship Benefit Auction. ZETA is donating an Acoustic Pro 4-Stirng Fiddle for the auction. If you want to bid you can message me your bid. Auction starts at 4:00 pm Saturday. Serious bidders will be messaged by me live during the auction if desired. So this is a great opportunity to take part and support an over the top worthy cause and own a ZETA Pro 4 .

Comment on Facebook

Go ZETA! I know you will have a successful Day 2 spreading the ZETA love (which you do best). I’m hoping to make a trip to the factory mid October to say ‘HI’. Very best regards to Team ZETA!

Her price ???

Very generous to donate a Zeta violin to encourage young string players !

There is a Zeta mandolin?

Price ? šŸ™

Beautiful

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2 years ago
ZETA Violins

Attention ZETA fans in Europe. We have a new dealer . . . Henglewscy in Lubon, Poland. Their first new ZETA's arriving this week. Two ZETA Cellos . . . a JC24 Artist Flame Top with TransBlue Burst and a JC25 Ensemble Ash Top with Natural Satin Finish . . . both arriving just in time for Henglewscy's big Cello symposium this coming weekend. This first shipment also includes ZETA's two flagship instruments . . . a JLP5 'Jean-Luc Ponty' Signature Jazz Fusion, Flame Top/Back with Tobacco Burst . . . and a JV44 Jazz Fusion Reissue White. Both violins feature our ZETA 'SLIM' Imbus neck. It's going to be a beautiful day in the Lubon neighborhood . . . won't you stop by . . . give them a try . . . or give Henglewscy a call to schedule an appointment.
You can reach Nell at: 0048 503 338 672. Website: www.henglewscy.com.pl/
Contact: www.henglewscy.com.pl/pl-kontakt.html#21616
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Comment on Facebook

This is good news! How much will it be the JLP5 jazz fusion(for Romania)?

How much will it be Zeta Jazz Fusion for Bulgaria?

Price please

price please?

Price please?

Cual es el precio del blanco

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2 years ago
ZETA Violins

ZETA sales in Qtr2 2021 were brisk and colorful. TransBlue Burst, TransRed BlackEdge Burst, Shaded Cremona Burst, TransBlue BlackEdge Burst, Tobacco Burst, White, Black . . . all with a nice mix of our models and options thrown in. Hope you enjoy browsing our shipment recap. Which is 'y o u r' favorite?

Shipments in May and June 2021:
CV44 Jazz Classic Flame_700, TransBlue, EVS, Durham, NC
JV45 Jazz Fusion Flame Fretted_718, TransRed BlackEdge, EVS, NC
SV25 Strados Modern Flame_713, Shaded Cremona, Princeton, NJ
JV45 Jazz Reissue Flame_396, TransBlue BlackEdge, Richmond, VA
SV24 Strados Modern Legacy Black_666, EVS, Durham, NC
EV04 Acoustic Pro4_669, Music Villa, Bozeman, MT
JLP5 'Jean Luc Ponty' Signature Jazz Reissue_626, Greenville, NC
JLP5 'Jean Luc Ponty' Signature Jazz Reissue_629, EVS, Durham, NC
JLP5 'Jean Luc Ponty' Signature Jazz Reissue_631, EVS, Durham, NC
JV45 Jazz Fusion Legacy Black_597, EVS, Durham, NC
JV45 Jazz Fusion Legacy White_652, EVS, Durham, NC
EV04 Acoustic Pro4_456, EVS, Durham, NC
JV45 Jazz Fusion Legacy White_654, EVS, Durham, NC
*** STOLEN ***
JLP5 'Jean Luc Ponty' Signature Jazz Reissue_645, Beltsville, MD
*** STOLEN ***
(Be on the lookout for JLP5 #645 above . . . stolen upon delivery on June 11, 2021 in Beltsville, MD. Please contact Steve Carlson at ZETA Violins (406) 600-7510 with any tips or information about this instrument, case and bow . . . thank you.)

Thanks to everyone for a great quarter and to EVS (Electric Violin Shop) of Durham, North Carolina USA . . . ZETA's top dealer!
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Comment on Facebook

I got my JLP from EVS in Durham NC great people and even after u buy it. Thanks guys

2 years ago
ZETA Violins

Ernesto Lago is brightening up the night skies of the Miami area with his new JV45 Reissue White. His full double edged ZETA sports the classic white on white look with white burst treatment on the Imbus neck. Letting your light shine in Miami Ernesto . . . Love it! ... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

Only the finest electric fiddles made!!!

I love my re-issue! youtu.be/iYu8xs1168k

ā¤ļøšŸ„°

love this

The first thing I think of when I see this violin is Vanessa-Mae ... āœØšŸŽ»šŸŽ»šŸŽ¶

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2 years ago
ZETA Violins

ZETA Violins requests your help in recovering this beautiful and distinctively figured JLP5 Jean-Luc Ponty Signature Model . . . Serial # 20080645 . . . which was stolen on June 11th, 2021 in the Silver Springs area of Maryland, USA. The serial # can be found engraved on the underside of the fingerboard extension and also inside the control route on the signature label. Please inform your local Pawn Shops and Music Stores to be on the look out for this ZETA Violin and case. ... See MoreSee Less

ZETA Violins requests your help in recovering this beautiful and distinctively figured JLP5 Jean-Luc Ponty Signature Model . . . Serial # 20080645 . . . which was stolen on June 11th, 2021 in the Silver Springs area of Maryland, USA. The serial # can be found engraved on the underside of the fingerboard extension and also inside the control route on the signature label. Please inform your local Pawn Shops and Music Stores to be on the look out for this ZETA Violin and case.Image attachmentImage attachment

Comment on Facebook

Beautiful instrument , I hope you may find it and the thief ....

Un telefon sa pot s va sun

So very sorry hope u get it back. I know i love my JLP. GOOD LUCK

2 years ago
ZETA Violins

Thanks Matt and EVS . . . ... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

Great interview !

2 years ago
ZETA Violins

Customer direct international shipments from our ZETA shop in Belgrade, MT USA have officially been on the rise since March of this year. Seems to coincide with performance venues starting to open up in the European and Pacific theaters. We hope to see continued progress . . . with safety and well being for all.

Shipping worldwide thus far in Mar & Apr 2021:
SV44 Jazz Modern, Roasted Flame Top, Shaded Cremona Burst
(Taichung City, Taiwan)
SA24 Strados Modern VIOLA, Spalted Flame Maple Top, Natural Finish w/Buckskin Shaded Body and Neck (separate pictorial coming soon)
(Czestochowa, Poland)
JV45 Jazz Fusion Reissue, Trans-Black Burst, Customer Signature
(Tsing Yi, New Territories, Hong Kong)
CV44 Jazz Classic Fretted, 'Z' Style Inlay, Chocolate Burst
(Champigny sur Marne, France)
SV24 Strados Modern, Flame Maple Top/Neck, Tobacco Burst
(Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea)

String players around the world . . . Thank You . . . and enjoy your ZETA!
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Comment on Facebook

The Spalted maple look stunning ! ā¤ļø

Hola , cual el costo para ecuador??

Ų¹Ł„ŁŠ Ł…Ų­Ł…ŲÆ Ų¹Ł„ŁŠ

āœŒšŸ»best

waitiiiiing 🄰

ā¤ my Zeta's!

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2 years ago
ZETA Violins

Customer direct domestic shipments since February 2021 . . . from our ZETA shop in Belgrade, MT USA . . . have featured a nice variety of styles, woods and colors. It seems no two weeks ever the same here at ZETA and we love that. We especially enjoy working with customers, discussing options, helping pick the model and styling they've been dreaming of.

Shipping nationwide thus far in Feb, Mar & Apr 2021:
JV45 Jazz Fusion, Roasted Flame Top/Back/Neck, Shaded Cremona Burst
(Jackson Heights, NY USA)
ZV24 Strados Acoustic Pro, Buckskin Varnish
(Sayreville, NJ USA)
JV45 Jazz Reissue Imbus, White w/White Neck (very popular lately)
(Scottsdale, AZ USA)
JV45 Jazz Fusion, Roasted Flame Top/Neck, Light Golden Natural Top
(Louisville, KY USA)
JV45 Jazz Reissue Fusion, Flame Top/Back/Nk, Dark TransPurple BlkEdge
(Pittsburgh, PA USA)
JLP5 'Jean-Luc Ponty' Signature Jazz Reissue, Flame Top/Back, JLP Burst
(South Chesterfield, VA USA)
JV44 Jazz Fusion Legacy Black
(Salt Lake City, UT USA)
EV04 Acoustic Pro
(Youngsville, NC USA)

A big heartfelt thanks from us here at ZETA to all you violin players USA!
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Comment on Facebook

I love my new ZV24 Strados Acoustic Pro! Can’t wait to use it on stage.

These instruments are just beautiful. Keep up the good work.

Ultra beauty of a back!

Best sound in the Biz!

Beautiful violins !

Sharp sharp!!!

Š·Š“Ń€Š°Š²ŃŃ‚Š²ŃƒŠ¹Ń‚Šµ сколько стоит????

My wish!!!!!+

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2 years ago
ZETA Violins

Fly Music in Suceava, Romania has started this new year off with a trio of beautiful 4 and 5 string JLP Signatures . . . sporting both Fusion Standard and Imbus SLIM necks. At last this long year of quarantine seems to be winding down. In fact, we found ourselves shipping to Fly exactly 1 year to the day since their last shipment. Can I say it's been a very very long year.

Now topping this bevy of JLP's is not easy . . . but Fly Music did it in style . . . ordering ZETA's new signature 'Heartbeat' model for Andrei Racu. Let me tell you . . . our spray booth was host to some real 'show stoppers' that day . . . mighty fine, mighty fine.

Thank you Fly Music of Romania . . . our top dealer in Europe!
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Comment on Facebook

Omg! ā¤ā¤ā¤

Very cool and beautiful ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø

2 years ago
ZETA Violins

Electric Violin Shop in Durham, NC USA is crushing it this year with a wide variety of new ZETA's gracing their showroom wall. Roasted Flame Maple, Flame Myrtle, Red, White, Blue, Black, Cremona, Tobacco, Buckskin, 4 and 5 String, Fusion, Modern, Jazz, Strados . . . you name it and EVS has it . . . or at least had it. Chris and Susie report brisk 2021 sales of their ZETA inventory . . . and we're liking that.

Shipping to EVS thus far in Feb, Mar & Apr 2021:
JLP5 'Jean Luc Ponty' Signature Jazz with Customer's Name
JV44 Jazz Fusion Roasted Flame Top/Neck, Cremona Shade
JV45 Jazz Fusion Legacy Black Fretted
JV44 Jazz Fusion Flame Top, TransBlue BlackEdge Burst
SV24 Strados Modern Flame Top/Neck, Tobacco Burst
SV25 Strados Modern Flame Myrtle, Buckskin Burst
JV44 Jazz Fusion Legacy White
SV24 Strados Modern Legacy Black
and two EV05 Acoustic Pros

Thank you EVS of North Carolina!
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Comment on Facebook

I wish to have šŸ™šŸ¼

State of art, great sound !

Crank em’, ZETA!

Heaven!

Kevin S Abdulnour

😢want it

ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø

Top!!!!!!

I wish to have!!!!!!!!

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2 years ago
ZETA Violins

Our ZETA Signature Model is nearing completion. It's all about the details details details . . . Flamed Natural Double Edging all around, Matching Top/Back Figured Wood of Choice, Fine-Silver 'Heartbeat' Inlay, Flamed Imbus 'Slim' Neck w/Flame Capped Peghead, Trans-Burst Color of Choice, and 'Your Name' in Script.

This stunning Roasted Top, Roasted Back, Roasted Neck masterpiece will be on it's way to Fly Music in Romania soon. I'm loving this caramel flavored 'Buckskin' trans-burst finish. Officially my favorite.

A big heartfelt ZETA and personal 'Thank You' goes out to Nicolas Draps (Nico) for letting us use his original 'Heartbeat' inlay concept on our new signature model. His music is so inspiring and truly flows from his soul . . . like yours does.
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Comment on Facebook

Thank you for this nice dedicace! Heartbeat for all! To make music better and deeper!

I want the Acoustic pro 5 but too expensive 😭 someday...

Уникален ŠøŠ½ŃŃ‚Ń€ŃƒŠ¼ŠµŠ½Ń‚ Š½ŠµŠ²ŠµŃ€Š¾ŃŃ‚ŠµŠ½ звук Šø Ń‚ŠµŠ¼Š±ŃŠŃ€.... несравнимо!!!

I may need to add a 3rd Zeta to my arsenal!!! Gorgeous!

ā¤ļøZeta craftsmanship

My ā¤ļøā¤ļø

Top

Зета това е ŠøŠ½ŃŃ‚Ń€ŃƒŠ¼ŠµŠ½Ń‚ŃŠŃ‚..

Stunning.

Yeah baby!!

Breathtaking.

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2 years ago
ZETA Violins

January welcomed in the new year 2021 with a nice mix of our ZETA's heading out . . . with several stunning JLP5 Jazz Fusion's bound for Electric Violin Shop in Durham, NC. One JLP5 Imbus 'SLIM' Neck went to Temperance, MI . . . affectionately referred to as a 'Slimbus' in our shop. Another JLP5 Fusion 'SLIM' Neck version headed off to Popesti-Leordeni, Romania. It seems sales overseas are picking up and we hope this is a sign that performance venues opening a bit may be coming sooner rather than later.

A JV45 Legacy Black Fretted Fusion hit the road to Houston, TX USA while a JV44 Reissue Imbus Fusion Black was off to L.A., CA USA. EVS beefed up their inventory with a SV24 Legacy Black Modern, a SV24 Legacy White Modern, and a JV45 TransRed BlackEdge Burst Fusion.

ZETA . . . 2021 . . . Rollin' On . . .
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Comment on Facebook

Hello, one question are all Zeta violins of the Jazz Fusion type?

Top from the 90's until now ... thank you for your attention and patience !!! You created a jewel for me !!

I love my ZETA J L P it fits any style that I play from country to swing to jazz. I love it so much that I don't even keep up with what's out there new. Thanks ZETA!!!!!

Looks like ZETA is on a roll!

ZETA best violin

Can u ship them to India

Me prestan 70mil pesitos? Jennifer Jacques Val JA Blue Cat xD 🤣

Price list pls

Great ZETA Violins

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About Us

. . . meet the ZETA team

Jamie Carlson Henley

Jamie, born and raised just north of Bozeman, grew up in a world that seemed to revolve around musical instrument production. Even on weekend visits to her[Read more]

James Schlender

James, a native of Montana, grew up in a home filled with the sound of guitar and mandolin being played by his father, a traditionalist in the old-time sty[Read more]

Phil Brug

Phil was born and raised in the Cody area of Wyoming. His parents were some of the last homesteaders in the United States. Growing up farming and ranching [Read more]

LoudBox Artist

"I lead a flat life here at Zeta Violins. Sure, I'm supposed to hang in the background, I know that. But give me a break. Turn my knobs please. Add some co[Read more]

Helen Beausoleil

With over 20,000 instruments having passed through her hands (give or take a few hundred), Helen is what you might call an expert . . . and of course, that[Read more]

Steve Carlson

Raised in Boulder, Colorado, Steve moved to Bozeman, Montana to study Architecture at MSU in 1972. His passion for banjo playing led him to opening a music[Read more]

Natalie Padilla Koob

Originally from Montana, Natalie began fiddling at the age of 3 under the instruction of her mother, acclaimed fiddler & composer Nancy Padilla; soon a[Read more]

Videos

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ZETA Instrument Repair and Pricing Guidelines . . .

ZETA Bridge/Pickup Issues

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