Today we’d like to introduce you to Pierre Holstein.
Hi Pierre, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m Pierre Holstein, also known as Fiddlerman. My journey with music started when I was just a kid — I was fascinated by the violin and the emotion it could express. That passion eventually led me to study and perform professionally, playing in professional orchestras for many years. Latest, a concertmaster in the Gävleborg Symfoniorkester for 4 years and a principle in Malmö Symphony Orchestra for 16 years before moving back to the states.
Around 2010, I started Fiddlerman.com as a way to share my love for the violin online. It began as a small project — just me recording tutorials, offering sheet music, and creating a space for violinists around the world to connect, learn, and grow together. What started as a passion project turned into a vibrant community of musicians who inspire each other daily.
Around that time, my son Michael was working for my younger brother in an online retail business, where he gained a lot of valuable experience in e-commerce, logistics, and customer service. When I decided to launch Fiddlershop, Michael brought that expertise to the table, helping us turn a small home-based idea into something much bigger. Together, we started shipping violins from a spare bedroom — and through hard work, passion, and dedication, we grew into a company with over 20 full-time employees, including a talented team of luthiers who restore and refine instruments right in our shop. Our mission has always been simple: help musicians find high-quality string instruments at fair prices while nurturing a sense of community.
Most recently, we took things one step further. In our 33,000-square-foot headquarters, we had extra rental space that we transformed into a performance hall called The Soundpost Venue. It’s become a place for live music, community events, and creative gatherings — a way to bring the joy of music full circle, from crafting instruments to celebrating performances.
It’s been an incredible journey — from orchestra stages to YouTube tutorials, and from our home to a thriving musical community — all driven by the belief that music connects us in ways nothing else can.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We never hit any big bumps — just a few falls along the way. There were definitely some 60-plus-hour “weeks” (also known as every week for a while), and if something broke or needed doing, well, the calendar didn’t get a vote. But hey — we survived, learned a ton, and even managed to laugh through the chaos. Mostly. After coffee. ☕😅
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Fiddlershop is a top-rated string-instrument shop based in Pompano Beach, Florida, known for our expert in-house luthier setups and personalized service for players of all levels. Founded with the goal of making quality instruments accessible, We offer violins, violas, cellos, and basses that are professionally adjusted, tested, and ready to play right out of the box. We have a strong online presence — including detailed YouTube demos and tutorials — help musicians around the world find instruments that truly sing. Customers love our craftsmanship, affordability, and friendly support. Because of our passion, precision, and player comes first attitude, we have become a trusted source for the string community.
How do you think about luck?
People often say we’ve been lucky — and maybe we have. But if they knew how much work it took to get here, I doubt many would have stuck it out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fiddlershop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiddlershop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefiddlershop/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/fiddlershop
