Musicians Shop a Labor of Love

Music has always played a central role in Raymond Palmer’s life. The Kansas native’s mother taught violin, and he began playing at age 5, eventually switching to the viola.

He also became interested in how the instruments were made, and after college, he trained to become a luthier (pro­nounced LOO-tee-er), someone who makes stringed instru­ments.

Palmer attended the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City from 2003 to 2007. He then moved to Fay­etteville to work as an apprentice with master luthier Terry Borman, who makes “high-end” instruments for profes­sional musicians.

While working part time for Borman, Palmer also re­paired instruments as well as making his own. As the de­mand for repair work grew, he moved into increasingly larg­er spaces.

Last July, Palmer opened Palmer Violin Shop at 1112 W. Elm St. in Rogers. The 1,400-SF building, which formerly housed records for St. Mary’s Hospital, has plenty of room for the large workbenches where he makes and repairs in­struments and re-hairs bows, as well as retail display space.

Palmer caters mostly to students, and said he made the move from Fayetteville to Rogers because Benton County schools have more music programs.

He said his rental program has proven popular. But for those ready to buy, the shop carries a range of new and used instruments from Europe and China for students from be­ginning to advanced.

Violins for beginning students start around $500, he said. Instruments for intermediate students range from $750 to $1,500, while a serious high school student may pay from $1,500 to $8,000, “depending on how far they want to go,” he said.

In comparison, a professional musician’s violin may cost anywhere from $8,000 to $80,000, Palmer said.

Palmer, 31, remains musically active, playing viola with the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkan­sas Philharmonic Orchestra.

For a complete change of pace, he also plays “old-time” music with the Old 78s.

“It’s enough to keep me musically satisfied,” he said.