The String Shop of Arizona in Tempe reopened in 1988 in under its current proprietor, Terrance P. McShane. As a full service shop, we offer expert service from repairs and restoration to rentals and retail. Our luthiers are highly skilled, and we have specialists in all areas, including bow repair, violin, viola, cello, and bass repair, custom bridges, and appraisals. We have experienced string musicians on staff to assist our customers in choosing the best rosin, strings, and other accessories for their needs. Our shop also houses three teaching studios, making finding a string teacher in Tempe a breeze.

Our Staff

Terrance McShane – Owner

Michael McShane - Bow Specialist, Rentals Manager
Michael has been with the String Shopas the manager of rentals for 10 years. He studied bow repair and rehair under Vito Vissicaro of Arcos Brazil, and attended bow making and restoration workshops taught by Lynn Hannings. In addition to being an apprentice luthier, Michael owns the Arizona Bow Company, established in 2003.

Andrew Derkacz - Bass Specialist, Restorer
Andrew moved to America from Gdansk, Poland, in 1994. Andrew worked at Kolstein Music in Long Island, New York, for 8 years, learning bass and cello restoration and repair from Barry Kolstein and Jacob Cralidis. Andrew joined the String Shop as our main repairman in September, 2003.

Erin Lanus - Manger, Sales Representative
A native of Tempe, Erin is currently working on a double major - Psychology and Religious Studies - in the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. Growing up in a musical family, Erin has been performing onstage since she was 3 years old. She has had training in many forms of music, including Irish fiddling, classical violin, jazz vocals, jazz improvisation on flute and violin, and musical interpretation in the forms of Latin, Irish, lyrical, ballet, jazz, and hiphop dance. Aside from working at the String Shop and attending classes, Erin performs with her band Wood, Wind, & Wyre (link www.woodwindnwyre.com), a blend of Celtic Ballads, upbeat Country, and Irish fiddle tunes.

Sheila Maguire - Sales Representative
Sheila grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She began playing traditional Irish fiddle at the age of 6, and competing at 7. By the time she was 19, Sheila accumulated 85 North East Championships and 12 All-Irelands. After a two year run performing with Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance," she returned to Phoenix, where her family currently resides, in 2003. Aside from working at the String Shop, Sheila also teaches traditional Irish fiddling and performs with her band, Rabharta (link www.rabharta.com). An excellent resource, Sheila brings 30 years (and counting) of violin performance and teaching experience to the shop.