Solo Classic

Since 2001, the Raykovski family name has been synonymous with the old-world craft of making fine, master-crafted instruments. Opening a family-owned string instrument business and music school was the vision of Roumen and Dani Raykovski, who originally moved to Chicago from Bulgaria in 1997.

Roumen began his studies of instrument making at the Chicago School of Violin Making studying under master luthier Tschu Ho Lee-one of the few schools in the world that offers a program focused on the traditional methods of string instrument making.

Opening its doors in 2001, Solo Classic music school has been a neighborhood staple dedicated to providing students with a rich musical education; as well as, encouraging the foundation of music programs in surrounding schools. Our school provides unparalleled teaching methods centered on a diverse learning environment honoring the individual needs of our students.

The Restoration and repair of violins, violas, cellos and bows has been a staple in Solo Classic from the very beginning. In addition to selling handmade string instruments, existing in the Chicago music scene has brought many of the world's finest musicians through our doors.

Working with centuries old instruments has been a badge of honor for Roumen Raykovski who prides himself on bringing an instrument to it's original glory, while maintaining the brilliant playability and tonal quality that comes with an aged instrument.Solo Classic offers regular maintenance service on instruments as well as full service repairs of violins, violas, cellos, and bows.

Where quality and playability are of the utmost importance, at fair and the most competitive prices around. Solo Classic never compromises on the quality of rental instruments. Whether our rentals are in the hands of beginners or professionals, they need to offer brilliant playability while upholding the artful appearance of instruments inspired by the ancient Italian tradition of makers like Stradivarius, Guarnerius, and Balestrieri.

All presented charts are based on averages. Our bodies are unique, so height, hand size, and length of arms vary among the same age range and can affect the size of the instrument. If a student falls in between or overlaps with two sizes, it is recommended to choose the smaller of the two sizes rather than attempting to learn on an instrument too large, which can be uncomfortable and result in long term injury.