Sandro restored my 1827 viola-converted-into-a-violin to playing condition. Prior restorations had filled large cracks with resin, Sandro made it look like there had never been any splits at all, I was amazed. He also fixed a design error of the original luthier, it is now much easier to tune than before. read more

Sandro does an amazing job at repairing instruments. He has moved the sound post of my violin to adjust the tone of the instrument to my liking, he has carved the bridge for the pickup i have on my violin, and has rehaired my bow numerous times. He always does an amazing job, and the conversations are always great! read more

Sandro is professional and capable, and a wonderful person. He will make your instrument sound its best!

This is a bona fide small-time luthier shop. Sandro studied with the respectable Chimneys Violin Making Apprenticeship Program in Pennsylvania, but he is a Roman at heart, and he will bust out with a golden, operatic voice when you're least expecting it. Right above the Yard Dog, it's a cozy studio - don't expect a full selection of instruments, bows, and accessories. Sometimes, though, you really don't want 50 rosins to choose from! The few items he does sell are quality. What Sandro is best known for is his instrument repair and bow rehairs. If you catch him during a quiet time, you can go grab some coffee or shop the South Congress stores while he's working your saw! Not many other violin shops/repair studios in Austin offer that charm. read more

Sandro is the finest restorationist and luthier in town. I've been taking my violin and bows to him for over 10 years, and he's never disappointed my expectations. As a professional orchestral musician and private violin instructor, I use my instrument on a very regular basis. I've damaged things inadvertently over the years, and the repairs Sandro makes are always high quality. He doesn't know everything about every instrument, but he does know what sounds, looks, and feels good to a musician. He's taken the time to get to know me and my taste these last few years. He never does two bow rehairs the same, but mine is always perfect for me. read more

I've dealt with several stringed instrument service providers over the years (Blackerby, Violins Etc, Fiddlestick Bow Shop, etc) and after working with Sandro Cocco I will honestly never take my instrument or bows to anyone else for service work. Recommended to me by my teacher, Sandro is a very friendly, honest, and knowledable luthier who will treat your instrument with the upmost respect, whether you have in your hand a student workshop violin or a fine antique. He also has a small collection of violins, bows, strings and accessories available for purchase; I'm not in the market for another instrument now, but if I ever am, my next violin will more likely than not be purchased from Sandro. read more

Sandro is the Best! He has worked on my violin several times over the years! We wouldn't trust it to any one else! Also, a side note, but his shop is in a trendy area in Austin, with cool stores and restaurants. So after getting your instrument worked on, you can go enjoy the area as well! Mark and Marisa read more

I am getting back into violin and needed my bow re-haired and instrument evaluated. Sandro was extremely helpful with suggesting options for correcting a known issue with my violin and new brand of strings I wanted to try. He did a fantastic job and his prices are very reasonable. He also has teachers he can recommend for students of all ages. Be sure to call first, since he goes by appointment only. But he is very accommodating and super nice. Parking on congested Congress can be a pain, so avoid peak traffic times. read more

Awesome Luthier, but you better get his new location on Quicksilver Blvd in the Bluff Springs part of Austin started in 2020!

I wish I could have given zero stars! i took a violin there and he was certain of the date made and he was not correct! I knew about when it was made because the instrument had been passed through many generations of my family. I am not sure he went to any school or has any training in antique instruments. please be very careful if you deal with him and get more then one opinion. Just because you have an accent it does not mean you are knowledgable. don't let the italian charm fool you!! I would really never buy an instrument from this store he does not know what he has , but claims to. read more

I came into Mr. Cocco's studio on the request of my cello teacher John. Seems my cello gave him a little more grief than he liked as he tuned it. I called Mr.Cocco and he told me he usually works by appt, but had some time available in the afternoon.(Hours are M-S 11-5) He's located on lively south congress so parking on the street is a little tricky. His studio is upstairs, next to Yard Dog Art gallery. I walked into the one man shop and was promptly greeted by him. He is very friendly & nice. I explained the problem and he said he could take care of it while I waited. 15 minutes later I was on my way with an adjusted cello and some recommendations on getting a better sound from my instrument. He even offered to take a look at any future cello's Before I purchased. Great Service! read more

Just picked up the violin from my youth - talking 20 years+ Took it down to Sandro, and he shot me straight. I had a tank on my hand. Told me not to put any money into it, play it until I figured out if I was truly interested again. Then make a decision. He then proceeded to adjust the bridge and tune my instrument while providing information on my violin and how standards of manufacturing had improved. - just awesome. I will certainly go back to him when the time comes to upgrade into nicer instrument. Just really felt it said a lot about the man and how her runs his business. read more

Sandro Cocco's on SoCo. Sandro is a friendly and wonderful luthier, always happy to help out.

Sandro cocco never fails to provide great luthier service!

Highest possible quality materials, workmanship, service, counsel, instruction, a virtuoso craftsman with a voice and charm to match, Rome's loss is an Austin treasure now. His South Congress studio/shop is a must visit, while there ask Sandro about his personally designed violins crafted from the finest materials, Antonio Stradavari would have been proud to have owned one. read more

I have been going to Sandro for years. Not only is he a skilled luthier he is also a wonderful person. He has a kind heart and he is a very passionate individual. I always enjoy our conversations and I am grateful for all of his work on my violin and bow. When you step into his shop, you have been transported into a past era. read more

A beautiful sounding violin turned scratchy due to climate change. Sandro did some adjustments and gave us recommendations about what else to do. He is so very knowledgeable, he took time with us and did not charge us anything for his time. We also tried his violins and found that they are great instruments though too much for us to afford right now for our 13-year-old violinist. A great luthier and great person. read more

I am a violinist and am lucky to have a very old french violin. I studied here and on the east cost and was fortunate to visit some of the finest luthier shops in NYC. I found Sandro's entire experience to be of superior quality to most of my other experiences in the violin world. Sandro does simply impeccable work and I had the chance to play one of the instruments he built and immediately it struck me as having that particular Italian sound and the look and feel as well while retaining it's own spirit. Sandro's business is fair and square and his work is well worth what he charges. If you spend any amount of time talking with him you will see that he loves instrument making and has a really great spirit about it. That's the guy I want working on my instrument. I would recommend Sandro Coco without hesitation to anyone seeking such services. Very fine fellow indeed! read more

I don't know about him as a dealer or an expert on antique violins, but he certainly knows repair and maintenance. I took my violin to him after many other luthiers could not get it adjusted to sound as good as the maker has kept it sounding (the maker is now deceased). He immediately recognized that the pattern was a little unusual and it was throwing off the other Luthiers. In minutes he has my bridge and sound post positioned properly and restored the wonderful full clear golden tone of my violin. It was worth the trip to Austin. read more