Our Teams

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Owen Hojoon Lee

President, Instrument Advisor

Owen (Hojoon) Lee is the founder of Los Angeles Violin Shop, established in 2002, and the newly opened LA Fine Violins in Downtown Los Angeles. With over two decades of experience in the violin trade, Owen is widely recognized for his expertise in appraising fine string instruments and bows. He has built enduring relationships with professional musicians, collectors, and institutions across the United States.

Owen provides accurate, in-depth appraisals informed by his extensive hands-on experience and deep knowledge of historical and contemporary instruments. His appraisals serve a variety of purposes including insurance, certification, and personal valuation.

He is the organizer of Authenticate LA, a biennial event hosted at LA Violin Shop that brings together internationally respected experts—including Jean-François Raffin, Sylvain Bigot, Yannick Le Canu, Jean-Jacques Rampal, and Jonathan Marolle—to provide trusted authentication and certification services to clients throughout North America.

Owen also curates La Forma del Suono – in Los Angeles, a major exhibition dedicated to showcasing the work of today’s finest contemporary violin and bow makers. This exhibition serves as a platform for connecting makers with musicians, collectors, and institutions in the Southwest United States.

Throughout his career, Owen has actively fostered collaborations with leading experts, luthiers, and violin shops around the world, promoting excellence in craftsmanship, knowledge exchange, and access to quality instruments. Under his leadership, LA Violin Shop and LA Fine Violins continue to serve as trusted centers for string players and the broader violin community. Under the leadership of Owen, L.A. Violin Shop is proud to host world-respected, expert appraisers for their annual Authenticate LA event. Clients and patrons are able to visit our flagship location to secure authentication and certifications from appraisers Jean-Francois Raffin, Sylvan Bigot, Yannick Le Canu, Jean-Jacques Rampal, and Jonathan Marolle. More recent ventures include a collaboration with the Colburn School to make our lutherie services accessible to the students of today and the musicians of tomorrow.