Featured Luthier Team
At The Flatiron Luthier, our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping you get the best out of your instrument, no matter what type of luthier services you need. We pride ourselves on our commitment to providing expert craftsmanship and the highest quality repair and maintenance.
Sarah E. Kluge
President of Sarah E. Gray Restoration of Violins Violas Cellos, LLC
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Working and training in this fascinating field for over twenty years, serving Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska and surrounding states
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Providing ergonomic set-up, maintenance, restoration, rehairs and ethical tonal adjustments
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Board member of The Violin Society of America
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President and Acting Director of The Flatiron Luthier Cooperative
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Cantor at St. Charles Borromeo
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Former CEO of Master Class Talks Annual Series Inc.
Alex Schmer
Newly promoted from Worthy Apprentice to Fearless Apprentice of Sarah Kluge
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Specializing in double bass and restoration
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Space Manager for The Flatiron Luthier Cooperative
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Privately teaching Double Bass and Guitar since 2017 at multiple studios in the Omaha Metro
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Performed mariachi with several ensembles over five year, including Mariachi Zapata, Mariachi Patria Juvenil, and Mariachi Nueva Tradition
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Member of Parfait, a jazz trio formed in March of 2021 (Instagram + Facebook)
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Member of The Ione Band, and bassist since 2022
Judy Divis
Office Manager
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A tremendous asset to the Omaha community through her 37 years as a violist in the Omaha Symphony, teaching a myriad of students on violin and viola
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President of the Omaha Chamber Music Society
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President and Acting Director of Good Vibrations
Barley
Shop Dog and Dishwasher
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Curator of woodchips and bench warmer
Graziella
Shop Scout
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Kitty says, “Remember, don’t touch your bow hair.”
Your Partner in Preserving the Art and Culture of Stringed Instruments
Our expertise lies in an understanding of the musician, the instrument and the interaction between the two. We are creating custom solutions for player’s physical needs as well as the instrument’s purpose.
At The Flatiron Luthier, we know that every instrument, bow, and players' needs are unique. We treat each customer with the utmost care and attention to detail. Our team of skilled luthiers is committed to providing the highest quality services to our clients, professional musicians, amateur enthusiasts, motivated students, an collectors alike.
Whether you need routine maintenance, appraisal or a deep-dive restoration, The Flatiron Luthier is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you reach your goals!
The Flatiron Luthier Services
Our President, Sarah Kluge of Sarah E. Gray Restoration LLC, has worked in this amazing field for over two decades. She earned apprenticeships, studied at Oberlin Workshops, served on the board of the Violin Society of America, participated in the British Violin Makers Association, participated in public outreach, and has maintained the shop for over a decade. Sarah serves the professional, the teacher and the motivated student within a local and a national community and accepts in-trade contract work.
In addition to providing client services, The Flatiron Luthier is also dedicated to their partnership with The Flatiron Luthier Cooperative. We partner with local and other non-profit whose missions align to bring the joy of music to those who may not have otherwise access to it.
Ethical Tonal Adjustment & Ergonomic Set Up
At The Flatiron Luthier, maximizing performance, means balancing energy flow. Painful injuries due
to over-compensation can plague performers. Pain, frustration, lack of joy, and unactualized
potential leads to failure. At an adjustment session we will work together, listen to your needs and
create a portfolio of statistics pertinent to your instrument and bow. These are documented and are
stored as a template. You keep a copy to take on the road and keep on-hand for reference each
time instrument is brought in. If an adjustment with template takes under 15 minutes, there is no
charge.
Structural Restoration, Repair & Retouching
At The Flatiron Luthier, we offer a conservative approach to structural restoration, conservation, cleaning, and services for violins, violas, cellos, basses and their bows. Our professional staff have years of experience and training, to ensure your instrument will sound and play as it was intended to.
Our structural restoration includes a myriad of delicate repairs. Please inquire for details.
We also offer insurance appraisals, new fittings, hybridization, new strings, and bow rehairs. We understand that even minor issues can affect the sound and playability of your instrument
Our retouching services are designed to protect your instrument and erase damages, when appropriate, while still maintaining its original character. After a thorough cleaning, we can adjust scratches, chips, dings, remove previous unsuccessful luthier repair, and other cosmetic imperfections, ensuring that your instrument looks as beautiful as it sounds. It is a balance to keep the instrument's character and story while preserving it.
Maintenance
Maintaining your instrument at home is crucial to its longevity, sound quality, and ease of play. By taking proper care of your instrument, you can ensure that its value continues to appreciate over time, making it a worthwhile investment.
At The Flatiron Luthier, we believe that proper at-home maintenance is of the utmost importance, and we are committed to providing our clients with the knowledge and tools they need to care for their instruments at home. With our guidance, you can rest assured that your instrument will continue to perform at its best for years to come.
Personal Training Sessions
Our president, Sarah E. Kluge, provides personalized training sessions on site for students and
teachers, whether at your home, on stage, or at school. This service might include providing routine,
preventative maintenance, or tonal adjustments.
Our training sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring that they receive the guidance and support they need to maintain their instruments in top condition. Whether you are a student or a teacher, our training sessions will equip you with the tools you need to keep your instrument performing at its best.