Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Muni
Hi Daniel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started playing violin at age 9 and fell in love—not just with the music, but with how the instrument worked. By 11, I was working as an apprentice in the workshop of a family friend who repaired instruments. By 14, I knew this was my calling. After completing my apprenticeship upon graduating high school, I further honed my skills at the Violin Craftsmanship Institute at the University of New Hampshire. Around that time, I started my first business, Gainesville Bow Works, which helped fund my college education by repairing and restoring violin, viola, and cello bows.
In 2004, I enrolled at the University of Florida, where I met my wife, Allison. We bonded over our shared love of music, craftsmanship, college sports, and, of course, each other. While students we worked together managing a local violin shop. We graduated in 2007, married a year later, and soon after by 2009, we decided it was time to pursue our dream of opening our own shop in Allison’s hometown of Orlando. In 2010, that dream became a reality with the opening of Muni Strings in the Hannibal Square neighborhood of Historic Downtown Winter Park, where we’ve been ever since.
We are the very definition of a mom-and-pop establishment. We do everything and have expanded the team to include our 8-year-old son. He has an entrepreneurial spirit and a knack for creativity, starting with puzzles made from coloring sheets at age 5. Most recently, he’s been crafting Christmas ornaments from old instrument parts to raise money for the River Arts District in Asheville, NC, following the devastation from Hurricane Helene.
Our journey has always been about combining passion, craftsmanship, and community, and we’re thrilled to continue sharing that with the musicians we serve.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have discovered my calling at a young age. At just 14, I knew that I was going to be a luthier—a craftsman specializing in the making and restoration of stringed instruments—and that I would one day own my own shop. This clear vision became my guiding light, allowing me to navigate the uncertainty of youth with purpose. As a student, I sought advice from experienced luthiers, often asking, “If you could go back, what would you study in college?” Their insights helped shape my unique educational journey and prepared me for the path ahead.
Allison and I have built our business on a philosophy that goes against the grain of today’s digital trends. We are deeply committed to serving our customers at the highest level, which means connecting with them in person, not online. This decision not to sell online is rooted in our belief that meeting face-to-face allows us to truly understand each customer’s needs and provide a level of service that simply isn’t possible through a screen.
When the pandemic struck, we faced a daunting challenge. The world shifted rapidly toward online shopping, and in-person interactions came to a halt. We had to close our doors for six weeks and operate by appointment only for an extended period after, serving only a few customers each day. Like so many others, 2020 was an incredibly difficult year for us and our business.
But thanks to the unwavering support of our local community, we emerged from those dark days stronger than ever. The experience reaffirmed that our old-world business model—centered on personal connections and craftsmanship—still has a place in today’s world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At our violin shop, we specialize in violins, violas, cellos, and their bows, focusing on sales, repairs, restoration and rentals.
One of the many aspects that sets our store apart is our extensive collection of antique instruments from the mid-1700s to the mid-1900s, which we meticulously restore and offer for sale. These timeless instruments serve as both our inspiration and our benchmark. Instruments that have endured for centuries have done so because they were masterfully crafted, and those same high standards guide our approach to modern instrument-making.
For our modern instruments, we collaborate with like-minded makers and workshops to create a shared vision for sound quality and price. This partnership influences every step, from wood selection and design to carving and varnish. Once the instruments are crafted to a certain point, they come to us for the final setup. We carefully craft and fit the final components, ensuring each instrument meets our uncompromising standards before it’s ready for sale or rental.
Over the years, we’ve tackled countless challenging repairs—restoring instruments run over by vehicles, submerged in water, damaged in hurricanes, or broken by airlines. Through decades of experience with tens of thousands of instruments, I’ve learned which repair techniques stand the test of time. This knowledge informs my work, whether I’m repairing a recently damaged instrument or restoring a long-neglected one. With each project, I imagine the original maker looking on, striving to honor their legacy and make them proud.
Our passion lies in spreading the love of music by connecting musicians with their ideal sound—whether through restoring their cherished instrument or matching them with a new one. We often compare music to painting with sound: each musician has a unique vision, and it’s our mission to find the instrument that provides the perfect palette of colors. While many players struggle to articulate what they’re seeking, I’ve developed an intuitive ability to understand their needs by listening to their playing and learning about their personality. This allows me to guide them toward an instrument that brings their artistic vision to life.
I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve helped nurture and the support we’ve received in return. Watching it grow and thrive has been a profound joy, and knowing we’ve played a role in fostering this love for music is deeply rewarding.
Equally humbling is the trust our customers place in us. The relationship between a musician and their luthier is a sacred bond, built on faith and understanding. To a musician, their instrument is more than just a tool—it’s an extension of their soul, a way to channel their deepest emotions and share them with the world. Many of these instruments hold tremendous sentimental and financial value, and professional musicians depend on them to make a living. When someone entrusts me with such an integral part of their life, I don’t take that responsibility lightly. It’s an honor to help them realize their full potential through their instrument.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Winter Park is a charming historic city just outside downtown Orlando, known for its cobblestone streets and traditional small-town vibe, paired with amazing shops and restaurants. Our street, in particular, has a classic charm with beautiful architecture and cobblestones that make it feel like stepping back in time.
The city is alive with culture, hosting two major art festivals each year along with countless concerts and events in Central Park. I love being so close to all the action and the vibrant sense of community these events bring.
Since Winter Park was established in the 1800s, parking near your destination can sometimes be a bit tricky, but the charm and energy of the area make it well worth the effort!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MuniStrings.com
- Other: Daniel@MuniStrings.com
Image Credits
Allison Muni
