From Autoharps to Zimbelsterns

New York String Service got its start in 1976 as Uhrik Luthiers. The company was a founding partner in Associated Instrument Makers, a musical instrument repair cooperative in the Soho district of NYC. The initial members of AIM were Steve Uhrik, Lawrence Trupiano and Bob Jones. The innovative shop included several luthiers, a harpsichord builder, player piano restorer and a pipe organ shop.

In 1982, the entire facility relocated to our current location in the historic Carroll Gardens/Gowanus Canal area of Brooklyn. NY. The operation evolved during the 1980’s into New York String Service, specializing in the repair of stringed instruments which also became well known as a provider of high end strings and accessories. Concurrently, a dynamic new enterprise developed focusing on buying, selling and trading musical antiquities, non-western instruments, experimental musical devices and 20th century fretted instruments.

In response to the growth of internet technology in the 90’s, Musurgia.com was created to make available an unusual inventory which has become encyclopedic in variety. Our name is taken from the great work Musurgia Universalis written in 1650, cataloging every instrument from the then-known world. Musurgia.com works with major international institutions, movie production companies, recording artists, private collectors and musicians.

We have traveled the world acquiring a remarkable assortment of instruments, photographs, ephemera, records, books and magazines concerning all types of music. In our 12,000 square foot shop you'll find some of the first electric guitars ever produced, one of a kind Baroque flutes, 19th century brass instruments, 78 rpm records, rare books about music, Victorian era prints and photos of musicians and a few rattles made from insect cocoons by the indigenous peoples of the Sierra Madras.

You'll also find vintage electric guitars, classic banjos, violins, analog synthesizers, steel guitars, mandolins and flat top guitars, all set up for musicians who want to enjoy playing on truly fine musical instrument.