Southwest Strings emerged from humble beginnings: a music teacher’s dream. Stephen Sheppard, the founder of Southwest Strings, recognized a void in the Tucson music community. Quality string instruments at an affordable price were nearly impossible to find. This premise is what launched Southwest Strings into existence, and the conception of their longest consecutive line of instruments, Klaus Mueller.
The Klaus Mueller line includes four models, Prelude, Etude, Bucharest, and the Maestro. Advancing in quality and detail respectively. Each model was selected abroad for its properly dried tone-woods, correct plate thickness, and overall measurements. These basics lay the foundation for Southwest Strings’ expert luthiers to outfit each instrument with fittings. Starting with the pegs at the scroll, down to the end-button at the base of the instrument.
Markedly, for nearly 4 decades, the Klaus Mueller Prelude has been the #1 choice for music teachers. Spanning 1,000’s of school districts across the country. Praised for its dependable tuning and ease of playability, this line has played an essential role in music education, while maintaining an affordable price.
In 2002, Southwest Strings donated over 100 string instruments to the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Performed on by the Utah Symphony Orchestra. Many of these instruments were from the Klaus Mueller line. After the closing ceremony, the instruments were gifted to local school districts in Utah.
Whether it’s placing Klaus Mueller into the hands of a beginning student, to outfitting a school orchestra, Southwest Strings has maintained its original vision since the beginning. Music making should be accessible to all through quality instruments and accessories at a fair price.