“Since I was 15 years old, I knew it was my calling to be a violin maker.”

Benjamin Hudachek

Benjamin Hudachek made his first violin when he was 15 years old.  He had already shown great promise at woodworking when he decided to set out and make his own violin.  He had no teacher, mentor or guide to accompany him along the way.  Seeking help, he went to the local library and found a book on violin making published in 1889.  With that book as a guide he set out on a journey that would take him on many twists and turns.  As with any dream, there were many setbacks, disappointments and heartache often leading to the brink of giving up on the entire notion.  After almost six years, his persistence (or stubbornness) paid off. He completed his first violin and set it up.  This is the violin that he plays on and worship leads with still today. The instrument was crafted with such love and devotion and he prayed throughout the entire process of making it.  That really shows through in the end.  At the time he made it he had no intention of being a worship leader. Though for some reason even at that young age he felt that this instrument was special and so he consecrated the instrument to Jesus as he designed and crafted it. Then the calling to be a worship leader began to emerge in his heart and he  pursued that path as well.  He has been humbled to see Jesus touch hearts profoundly through worship with this violin.  Little did that 15 year old aspiring violin maker know that when he set out to make a violin it was just the beginning of a lifelong journey.

The instrument was crafted with such love and devotion…

Benjamin has since gone on to do extensive research and study of the violin making trade.  He has studied the techniques of Stradivarius as well as modern makers.  He brings to the violin making trade a fresh new take on the craft as well as a respect of the age old traditions and techniques.  Benjamin uses all hand tools, with the only exception being some of the rough initial work on the wood where power tools speed up the process but in no way compromise the quality of the work.  He is open with the process and feels that there should be no secrets.  The violin making trade is notorious for holding secrets.

Benjamin is married to Chantelle Hudachek.  Chantelle is an amazing and powerful worship leader, songwriter and speaker.  She is a constant inspiration for Benjamin as well as for everyone else who meets her.  Together they have 3 beautiful children.