Materials
Tonewoods used for Jansma Instruments were carefully selected from Northern Italy and the Balkan Peninsula of southern Europe. Spruce of particular resonant quality grow in isolated stands on the slopes of the Italian Alps. Bosnia has had centuries of disciplined logging practices and growing seasons resulting in maple logs of straight, tight grain and beautifully flamed. The tonal qualities of these woods have been prized by luthiers for over five centuries.

Varnish research is a lifelong effort for the violin maker.  The selection of resins is numerous, each with their own qualities of clarity, flexibility and durability lend for the perfect combination of an acoustical varnish. The resins used in a Jansma varnish are harvested from regions surrounding the Mediterranean. The varnish applied enhances the vibrational response of the wood and has a clarity with a golden luminescent underglow. Jansma instruments blend easily in an orchestra full of centuries-old instruments. This is due to their finish - deep, warm and rich - qualities found only when using natural, non-synthetic materials and applying them with a slow hand application.       

The full collection
In addition to the instruments made by Tim Jansma, The Jansma Violin Shop imports violins, violas and cellos from around the world.  We carry a full collection of fine, hand-made instruments in many price ranges. Some come from shops who finish the instruments with tough wear and tear in mind, priced less expensive, making them practical for the young or noviced player.  Other instruments are imported from shops unfinished and will receive detailing by Tim personally, regraduating the top and back, rebarring the bass bar, and refining edges. These instruments come in "the white" and are finished with the beautiful and acoustical Jansma varnish.  Offering instruments finished and refined by Tim Jansma gives budgeted yet discerning musicians a selection of string instruments which perform and sound closely related to the authentic Jansma violin, viola or cello.  Every instrument is set-up and adjusted by Tim Jansma himself, the same set-up and attention given to an authentic Jansma.  Contact us for details.

Accessories
The Jansma Violin Shop offers cases, strings, shoulder pads, chinrests, endpins, pegs and tailpieces. Accessories for violin, viola and cello.  Contact us for details. 

Services
Tim Jansma has been restoring string instruments for over thirty years. All repairs and adjustments made at the Jansma Violin Shop are made by Tim Jansma. Many musicians appreciate the opportunity to watch the work being done to their instrument. There is no back workshop, where unknown apprentices work.  Appraisals are available.  Bow rehair and repair are available as well.  Contact us for details.

Tim Jansma frequently appears as a guest speaker for conferences, schools and organizations.  He has been interviewed on NPR, PBS and local networks for ABC and NBC.  Contact us for details.

Exhibits
Jansma Instruments have been exhibited across the United States at Violin Congresses, Viola Congresses, Cello Congresses, Festivals and Conservatories and Schools of Music. Upcoming exhibits:

March 7 – 10, 2007 American String Teacher National Conference Detroit MI. See http://www.astaweb.com/2007/index.html

February 7 – March 3, 2007 “The Story of a Violin Ma
ker” Artsplace gallery exhibit, Fremont MI.
See http://www.ncca-artsplace.org/exhibits.htm for details.


August 23, 2006 Shop Visit for the Blue Lake Chamber Music for Fun

August 18,2006 Interlochen Chamber Music Festival, Interlochen MI

April 8, 2006 Library of Congress, Washington DC