Gary Ritter Violin Viola Cello

I bought a 2008 Christopher double bass from Ritter in 2015 for $2800. This bass is warped and when taken to another reputable Luthier, was told the bass wasn't worth more than a grand. I've had to have the sound post re-adjusted, as well as the bridge. Additionally, I've had to adjust the bridge extenders because they were so tight that it left a considerable tension crack in the bridge. This man may be a decent repairman but he is nothing of a Luthier. He took advantage of me (I was TEN YEARS OLD) as well as others. Do not buy from him.

Gary Ritter's shop is a fun experience. Gary loves his work and is eager to share his knowledge and help you get the most from your instrument. He has a lot of experience in knowing how to improve the quality of any string instrument. He is the only person who ever explained to me that a common problem is having the tailpiece put in as tight as possible, which does not allow for stretching and shrinking that happens in the transition from a humid summer to a dry heated house in winter. This causes cracking, which is super bad news. Anyway, I moved from a dry climate where I didn't have to worry about that, and I'm so grateful that he could help me prevent the damage! He also installed mechanical pegs in my violin which are AMAZING. They are like fine tuners instead of pegs and they never come loose or have to be replaced. Wow. Life changing. His prices are very reasonable and his workmanship very good.

Warning! Avoid! I bought a cello from Gary Ritter at age nineteen was charged about five grand for it but found out later from another reputable Lutheir it was worth under $500 and he had put his own label over one from China. I made payments for about $1500 of it for a while but lost touch when I stopped teaching. He tried to collect from me in 08 (seven years later) but I caved, making payments and feeling sorry but this was before I learned the real value of that cello. Last year, almost 20 years from purchasing this cello I told him what the other Lutheir told me and he lost it, started sending me nasty emails and texts. He left several name-calling creepy reviews on all of my public media and I’ve had to block him from at least five social media platforms and my website as he has threatened to come to my shows and “teach me a lesson” after I wouldn’t give him my address so he could come “collect.” My lawyer said he’s way past the statue of limitations (almost 20 years later) and doesn’t have a leg to stand on since there is no contract. He seems very nice and charming at first, I have heard other similarly scary stories about his psycho side from other musicians, you do not want to get involved in any way with this person! So sorry to be the first one to say it but I’ve had enough of his harassment!

Gary is a true master and his experience is unmatched. He knows how to make an instrument play at its full potential. He is also up on all the new products and stays current.

Great repairman ! Dr Ritter works miracles with those surgical hands ! He repaired my 5 string upright Kay Bass.