About Us

R. Kim Tipper

Since moving his workshop to Victoria in 1995 Kim Tipper has earned the trust and respect of professional string players, violin collectors, students and amateurs throughout BC.  He is a fine luthier, a supporter of the arts in our community and an enthusiastic amateur musician.  Kim continues to expand his business as a dealer and expert in fine instruments and bows in addition to his work as a skilled restorer and maker.  His ability in setup and tonal adjustment of instruments is much sought after as are his opinions on the authenticity and condition of fine instruments.

Sachi Tamura

Sachi re-discovered playing the violin when she followed her daughter and husband into the orchestral programs at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Since that time she has also become well known in our music community through her work with the Victoria Fiddle Society and Daniel Lapp’s House of Music. Sachi came to Tipper Violins with a passion for music in our community and an eager curiosity for what would be found in the workshop and vault.

Tracy Plourde

Tracy and her family are very active in the Victoria music scene, the Victoria Fiddle Society and Daniel Lapp’s House of Music. Her first introduction to the violin was as a Suzuki parent and she has continued with her own fiddle lessons. Tracy has been The House of Music’s administrator and registrar and in our shop she is engaged in bringing order to our office and supplying warm greetings to our customers.

Reid Hudson

Reid is known around the world as a fine bow maker and restorer and we are pleased to offer his expertise and skill to our customers. Reid was born in Toronto where he studied double bass with Tom Monahan before moving to Ottawa where he apprenticed with Joseph Kun, a Czech violin and bow maker and shoulder rest inventor. His traditional training in Kun’s shop helped develop his deep appreciation for the history of the craft and the French tradition of bow making. In 1980 Reid and his young family moved to Vancouver Island where he has developed his skills and reputation. In recent years he has taught bow making at courses regularly held in Arkansas and Japan. See www.reidhudson.com.

Leanne Warren

Leanne is a working partner in the business, married to Kim, a former orchestral musician, and now a voice student, in addition to her PhD studies and job with the provincial government. She can be credited for much of the look and feel of our shop as she works with our designers to bring together a comfortable and elegant setting for our staff and customers to enjoy. From time to time you may find her in the shop working with Sachi and Tracy.