Wood Violins
Wood Violins manufactures handcrafted custom electric violins and cellos, anchored by the patented self-supporting Viper platform, serving professional touring artists, gigging musicians, and electric-string enthusiasts globally through DTC e-commerce and an authorized dealer network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersTucson, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Wood Violins does
Wood Violins (Wood Violins Cleveland LLC) is a privately held manufacturer of custom electric violins and cellos founded in 1990 by Juilliard-trained violinist and Emmy-winning composer Mark Wood. The company's flagship is the Viper platform — a patented self-supporting solid-body electric violin that eliminates the need for a chin rest or shoulder rest — offered across Classics, PRO, Artisan Top, Limited Edition, and Custom Shop tiers, with extended-range 5-, 6-, and 7-string configurations and fretted, fretless, or Phantom Frets fingerboards. Supporting product lines include the entry-level Stingray SVX semi-hollow, the semi-hollow Katana-Sabre, the chambered acoustic-electric Nashville, the Fortevio flagship pickup system, Prim electric violin strings, BAM hard cases, and a Custom Shop service for bespoke builds. All PRO and Custom Shop instruments are handcrafted in Cleveland, Ohio following the company's 2026 headquarters relocation from Tucson.
The company monetizes primarily through direct-to-consumer e-commerce at woodviolins.com and an authorized global dealer network, with PRO instruments priced $3,699–$6,699, Viper Classics around $2,980–$3,290, the 2026 Artisan Series at $3,499, entry Stingray SVX at $999–$1,099, Custom Shop builds at premium bespoke pricing on 6–12 month lead times, and accessories (strings $59.99–$139.99, cases $150–$1,199, straps $34.99). Go-to-market combines direct DTC sales with made-to-order production (16–24 week PRO lead times), enterprise-style field-sales relationships for Custom Shop builds, and a community-driven marketing engine centered on a global artist ambassador network and viral social media content exceeding 1 billion cumulative views. The customer base spans professional touring artists (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Kansas, The Chicks, MGK), gigging musicians, classical players transitioning to electric, and first-time electric violin buyers across 26+ countries.
In 2026 the company underwent a leadership transition, with founder Mark Wood appointing protégé Kent Dockus as owner and CEO and consolidating production into a dedicated Cleveland manufacturing facility, signaling a shift from founder-led to professionally managed operations alongside a broadened product roadmap that includes the new Fortevio pickup platform and the reactivation of the Nashville and Katana-Sabre lines.
Wood Violins firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Wood Violins
- Legal name
- Wood Violins Cleveland LLC
- Website
- https://woodviolins.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Wood Violins manufactures handcrafted custom electric violins and cellos, anchored by the patented self-supporting Viper platform, serving professional touring artists, gigging musicians, and electric-string enthusiasts globally through DTC e-commerce and an authorized dealer network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Wood Violins industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electric Violins
- NAICS
- Wood Product Manufacturing (321), Musical Instrument and Supplies Retailers (459140)
- SIC
- Musical Instruments (3931)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Instrument Repair, Maintenance & Luthier Services (CRALAEAF)
Keywords
Where Wood Violins is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tucson
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Wood Violins business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Electric Violin Sales: Primary revenue from direct sales of electric violins across multiple product tiers including Viper Classic, Viper PRO, Artisan Top, Limited Edition, and Custom Shop builds. Products sold direct-to-consumer through woodviolins.com and through authorized dealer network.
- Accessories Sales: Revenue from complementary products including strings (Prim Electric Violin strings), cases (BAM hard cases, gig bags), straps, and other accessories.
- Custom Shop Builds: Bespoke instrument builds with extended lead times (6-12 months), premium pricing, and personalized design specifications for individual artists.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Viper PRO Series - Extended range premium electric violin, handcrafted in Cleveland |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Stingray SVX - Entry-level electric violin with traditional chin rest design |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Katana-Sabre Series - Semi-hollow fully chambered electric violin |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Nashville Series - Fully chambered acoustic-electric violin with traditional F holes |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | 2026 Artisan Series - Limited edition Viper with premium artisan finishes |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Mark Wood Signature Viper - Signature model with birdseye maple top |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Prim Electric Violin Strings |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cases and Protection |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Accessories |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels6 records
Wood Violins product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Wood Violins manufactures and sells handcrafted electric violins built around its patented self-supporting Viper platform, plus complementary models (Stingray SVX, Katana-Sabre, Nashville), Custom Shop bespoke builds, electric violin strings, cases, straps, and the Fortevio flagship pickup system. Products are sold direct-to-consumer through woodviolins.com and through an authorized dealer network, with all PRO and Custom Shop instruments handcrafted in Cleveland, Ohio.
Product overview
Wood Violins is the world's leading manufacturer of electric string instruments, offering a portfolio of electric violins, electric cellos, accessories, and a custom build service. The core product line is the Viper platform—the world's first self-supporting solid-body electric violin—which is available in four tiers: Viper Classics (streamlined, 4–5 string fretless), Viper PRO Series (extended-range, 5–7 string, fretted/fretless/phantom fret, made to order), Viper Artisan Top (PRO builds with premium figured wood tops), and Viper Limited Edition (exclusive small-batch configurations). Supporting violin models include the Stingray SVX (entry-level semi-hollow) and the Katana-Sabre and Nashville (fully chambered designs). The company also offers Prim electric violin strings, protective cases and gig bags, the Fortevio flagship pickup system, and a Custom Shop for bespoke instrument builds. All PRO and Custom Shop instruments are handcrafted in Cleveland, Ohio.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Viper Electric Violin The world's first self-supporting solid-body electric violin, featuring a patented frame that eliminates the need for chin rest or shoulder rest. Available in Classic, PRO, Artisan Top, and Limited Edition variants across 4-7 string configurations with fretted, fretless, or phantom fret fingerboards.
- Viper PRO Series Handcrafted high-performance Viper tier with extended-range 5-7 string configurations, fretted and phantom fret fingerboard options, and premium components. Features Fortevio pickup as standard, Gotoh mini sealed locking tuners, and Prim Electric Violin Strings. Made to order in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Viper Classics Essential Viper tier featuring 4-5 string fretless configurations with streamlined feature set and Tru-Tone pickup, designed for players transitioning from acoustic to electric violin with minimal complexity.
- 2026 Artisan Series Limited edition Viper finishes featuring five exclusive transparent artisan color finishes (Emerald Green, Sapphire Blue, Deep Purple, Crimson Red, Obsidian) applied to figured tops. Available exclusively through WoodViolins.com.
- Stingray SVX Entry-level electric violin with traditional chin-rest and shoulder-pad design, featuring a semi-hollow body and two color variants (Candy Apple Red, Galaxy Black).
- Katana-Sabre Series Semi-hollow body electric violin with distinct body shape and fully chambered F-hole design, offering resonant sound with dynamic tonal range. Features Tiger Cherry Burst finish, fully chambered construction, Wittner geared pegs, and optional Wood TruTone or Fortevio pickup. Available in 4-string and 5-string configurations.
- Nashville Series Fully chambered asymmetric electric violin with traditional F-hole design, one-piece flame maple top, and deep antique faded amber finish reminiscent of classic European violins. Features Wood TruTone pickup, Wittner fine tune pegs, and D'Addario Helicore strings. Designed for classical-to-contemporary crossover players.
- Custom Shop Builds Bespoke instrument building service offering custom finishes, extended-range configurations, unique fingerboard setups, and artist-driven specifications. Limited annual availability, with builds individually crafted in Cleveland, Ohio using premium materials.
- Prim Electric Violin Strings Custom electric violin string sets available in 4, 5, 6, and 7-string configurations, plus individual string replacements (E, A, D, G, C, F, Bb). Designed specifically for extended-range electric violins.
- BAM Custom Viper Hard Case Carbon Fiber Carbon fiber hard case designed specifically for the Viper electric violin, providing rigid protection for transport and storage.
- Viper Soft-Shell Gig Bag Soft-shell carrying case for the Viper, included with the 2026 Artisan Series instruments.
- Viper Violin Strap Adjustable strap for the Viper self-support system, allowing the instrument to hang naturally from the shoulder while distributing weight across the body.
- Fortevio Pickup System Flagship pickup system developed specifically for the Viper platform, featuring solid maple construction, single piezo element across the bridge, balanced output across 4-7 string configurations, and luthier-friendly adjustability. Available as standard on Viper PRO instruments and select builds.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 1 billion views across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for Viper performances
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Wood Violins
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Wood Violins technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
Feature6 records
Wood Violins partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Trans-Siberian OrchestracoreMark Wood was an integral part of TSO's formation and toured with them for close to 15 years, receiving platinum and gold records for contributions. This partnership established Wood Violins as a serious instrument for major rock performances.
- Ohio State UniversityminorMark Wood Curriculum premiered at Ohio State University in 2014 under Dr. Robert Gillespie to empower next generation of music teachers with electric string education.
- ForteviocoreFortevio pickup system developed in collaboration specifically for the Viper electric violin platform. Preferred partner with extended warranty coverage including labor, diagnosis, and replacement.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Wood Violins competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- NS Design: NS Design (founded by Ned Steinberger) manufactures electric violins, violas, cellos, and basses via the CR and NXT series. It is the most direct competitor to Wood Violins in the amplified bowed-string category, targeting professional touring and crossover players with similar solid-body and hollow-body architectures.
- Stagg: Stagg is a Belgian music brand offering electric violins at more accessible price points, targeting beginner and intermediate players. It is a direct peer in the electric violin category but addresses the entry-level segment where Wood Violins' Viper Classics and Stingray SVX also compete.
Others
- D'Addario: D'Addario is the largest string manufacturer globally, serving the same professional and educational violinist customer base as Wood Violins and competing in the accessories category where Wood Violins sells Prim strings. As an ecosystem enabler rather than a direct instrument competitor, D'Addario is comparable via shared customer base and accessories business.
Broad incumbents
- Fender: Fender is the dominant global electric guitar brand with extensive brand recognition, dealer networks, and amplifies-instrument credibility. While Fender does not specialize in electric violins, its brand cachet, artist endorsement program, and amplifier/effects ecosystem overlap directly with Wood Violins' touring-musician customer base.
- Godin Guitars: Godin is a Canadian manufacturer of electric and acoustic guitars and basses, including the Multiac nylon-string series that blends acoustic and electric concepts. It is a broad incumbent serving crossover and amplified-string players, overlapping with Wood Violins on the hybrid electric/acoustic instrument concept.
- Yamaha: Yamaha is a global musical instrument incumbent that competes directly via the YEV series electric violins. As a broad incumbent, Yamaha offers stocked inventory, global dealer networks, and broader stringed-instrument catalogs that compete with Wood Violins for the same professional and educational customer base.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Wood Violins social profiles
Digital presenceWood Violins financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Wood Violins leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Wood Violins funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Wood Violins M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Wood Violins
What does Wood Violins do?
Wood Violins manufactures and sells handcrafted electric violins built around its patented self-supporting Viper platform, plus complementary models (Stingray SVX, Katana-Sabre, Nashville), Custom Shop bespoke builds, electric violin strings, cases, straps, and the Fortevio flagship pickup system. Products are sold direct-to-consumer through woodviolins.com and through an authorized dealer network, with all PRO and Custom Shop instruments handcrafted in Cleveland, Ohio.
Is Wood Violins a public or private company?
Wood Violins is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Wood Violins founded?
Wood Violins was founded in 1990. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Wood Violins based?
Wood Violins is headquartered in Tucson, United States, in the North America region.
How does Wood Violins make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Electric Violin Sales are the primary driver. The others are accessories Sales and custom Shop Builds.
Who are Wood Violins's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are NS Design and Stagg. D'Addario is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Fender, Godin Guitars and Yamaha.
Does Wood Violins have an API?
No public API is recorded for Wood Violins.
What industry is Wood Violins in?
Wood Violins's product category is Electric Violins. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRALAEAF, Instrument Repair, Maintenance & Luthier Services. Its NAICS code is 321 and its SIC code is 3931.