“Ryan’s instruments embody the qualities that make great instruments outstanding - power, soulfulness, subtlety and projection - which is everything I need as a top level performer.”

- Hasse Borup, Professor of Violin and Head of String and Chamber Music Studies the University of Utah School of Music

"My new violin by Ryan Soltis, freely modeled after a Guarneri del Gesu, has a rich, dark tone, clarity and power. It’s a perfect complement to the brighter sound of my 1686 Stradivarius and my 2002 Strad copy by Samuel Zygmuntowicz. I look forward to continuing my relationship with this important new instrument, which, incidentally, is extremely beautiful from the visual point of view."

- Eugene Drucker, Violinist and founding member of the Emerson String Quartet

“I have not yet met anyone – players, luthiers, or violin “experts” – who can reliably distinguish between the sounds of great Stradivaris and violins created by a handful of the world’s greatest living makers. Ryan Soltis has earned membership in this elite circle of modern masters by virtue of his stunning instruments, which, in the hands of some of the best musicians I know, fulfill not only the demands of their owners but also serve music itself, bringing it intimately close to listeners by virtue of their power of projection, but also touching peoples’ hearts through their timeless, human quality. I am privileged to own both a Soltis violin and viola, which I acquired after hearing them played, by great instrumentalists, back to back against legendary Italian instruments. Furthermore, all of my instrument testing is done where it really matters: in large concert halls. I have no doubt that a great many of today’s string players may well sound better on instruments of the quality that Ryan Soltis makes, and I encourage all players, regardless of age or career standing, to open themselves up to this very real possibility.”

- David Finckel, Cellist, Artistic Director of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and Music@Menlo, Faculty member at The Juilliard School and Stony Brook University and founder of ArtistLed recordings 

"I am the lucky and happy owner of the Guarneri model violin which Ryan Soltis presented, fresh off the press, at the 2019 Contemporary Violin Makers Exhibition in NYC. I should admit that I went to the exhibit already a fan of Ryan's work, as I also own a Soltis from 2015. 

This latest Soltis violin is a joy to play. In addition to boasting a beautiful tone, it is satisfyingly rich and meaty on the bottom, as well as brilliant in the upper register. It is easy to play and I appreciate its evenness across all four strings. It has been a pleasure to explore its tonal range and capacity for nuanced shadings. I can also predict with confidence that, as I have witnessed with my slightly older Soltis, this beautiful instrument will continue to mature and develop with time.

I feel blessed to know Ryan and his work and to own two of his wonderful violins."

- Laura Frautschi, violinist and member of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

 “My Soltis violin is a gift that keeps on giving! I was immediately impressed with the beautiful and resonant sound across registers, especially the middle register commonly used in quartet music. As time went on, I discovered a range of colors and dynamics that I only thought were possible with old Italian violins. I'm a happy and proud owner of this absolutely beautiful instrument.”

-  Ilmar Gavilán, Violinist and founding member of the Harlem String Quartet (photo credit: Ken Schneider)

“When I first began playing Ryan’s viola with my section in the Berlin Philharmonic, the instrument turned many heads because it has the “look”. Ryan managed to create the table with an authentic old Italian aesthetic, which is the point where most modern makers fall flat. An expert said, “beautiful, clearly a copy of an Andrea Guarneri” which it is. So true to the plan of a Great Master. This viola is very comfortable, reflecting Ryan’s belief that that violas shouldn’t feel different from a violin. The sound is very flexible – I can blend in a pianissimo with a shimmer in the sound or project as a soloist. It is the ideal chamber music instrument for me, offering a dark quality that doesn’t sacrifice clarity. The string crossing is so smooth, which indicates an equal voicing and evenness in response.”

- Matthew Hunter, Violist for the Berliner Philharmoniker

"I acquired my Soltis violin in November of 2017, and right away it was apparent that it has all of the qualities which I was looking for in an instrument: power, beauty of sound and immediate response.  The antiquing that Ryan does on his instruments is gorgeous, and when people find out that it is a brand new instrument, they are always shocked.  I couldn’t be happier with my new violin!"

Erin Keefe, Concertmaster for the Minnesota Orchestra and Violinist for the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

 
"I first met my Soltis cello after a year-long search, during which time I had the fortune of trying many fine, old instruments. I enjoy playing different cellos and learning from them and my Soltis cello is the most responsive cello I’ve played so far. Not only does it teach me, but it listens to me as well. I enjoy playing different cellos and would always find something to complain about, much to my father’s chagrin (he is a cellist and my first teacher). Those complaints ended when I got my Soltis cello. Regardless of continent or season, my Soltis cello is the most stable cello I’ve played, thanks to some magic that Ryan infused in it. Whether it’s a solo Bach or Lutoslawski concerto, my Soltis cello is a wonderful instrument to play on. I feel very lucky to have a Soltis cello as my music making partner.”

- Mihai Marica, Cellist

Photo Credit: Tristan Cook 

"I find Ryan's instruments satisfy a musician's need for quality, color, warmth and great power. They are beautifully made and a pleasure to look at. Please get a Soltis before you waste huge amounts of money on fourth rate antiques in poor condition!"

- Daniel Phillips, Violinist and member of the Orion String Quartet

 "I am really enjoying my Soltis violin. It sounds so rich and warm and it responds really quick as well! It is still a great pleasure every time I play on it."

- Johannes Søe Hansen, Violinist and Concertmaster for the Danish National Symphony Orchestra

 “I first met Ryan when he was working and studying with Samuel Zygmuntowicz. Ryan has since gone on to become one of the premiere violin makers in the world. I have played on numerous violins and a couple of violas made by Ryan and severals of my students own his instruments. His violins and violas are beautifully carved and varnished.  Each instrument sounds great, with a full tone and brilliance as well as a sweetness that allows the player to work in the more subtle areas of expression and detail. I have tried many contemporary instruments around the world and I can say without reservation that Ryan Soltis is among the very top makers of the 21st Century.”

- Philip Setzer, Violinist and founding member of the Emerson String Quartet 

"I received my violin commission in 2014 and it was love at first sight! From the varnish, to the dimensions, to the sound, everything about my violin was (and still is) absolutely beautiful. It’s been a wonderful journey playing on my Soltis violin because we’ve grown and developed together—I’ve never had more fun practicing! My violin projects easily in any hall, responds quickly and plays evenly from the top of its range to the bottom.  It’s an absolute joy to play on a violin with which I can continue discovering new colors for expanded musicality everyday. Best of all, Ryan is an amazingly kind human being with whom to work so the entire process was wonderful!"

- Melissa White, Violinist and founding member of the Harlem Quart