About

 Welcome! I’m Yair Stern, a luthier and designer dedicated to crafting distinctive, handcrafted string instruments. Since 2016, I’ve focused on creating mostly mandolin family instruments. Working from Canada, I build every instrument by hand.

Designing original instruments is the most challenging and rewarding part of my work. I aim to create pieces that are sonically rich, visually striking, and truly unique, all while respecting the core principles of traditional instrument making.

When you purchase one of my instruments, you receive a handcrafted work of art, built to inspire, and to be cherished for years.

Design, Building Philosophy & Availability

I build every mandolin entirely by hand, one instrument at a time. This slow, focused approach lets me create truly personal, one‑of‑a‑kind instruments for each client. From the first cut to the final setup, I handle every step myself.

My available stock is usually limited, as most instruments are made to order. Occasionally, you may find a few listed on the “Available for Sale” page. For now, my priority remains crafting each mandolin with care and precision. Current wait time may vary.

Clients can customize their instrument within certain boundaries—wood selection, fingerboard shape, scale length, tuning machines, fret wire, and more. Pricing adjusts based on these choices. Building time is typically around three weeks, depending on the model and upgrades.

I’m committed to making each mandolin the best it can be. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just beginning, I’m confident you’ll enjoy owning and playing a handcrafted instrument built with intention and attention to detail.

Ordering or purchasing an instrument.

Please be aware that when purchasing one of my handcrafted instruments, the prices displayed on my website are in US Dollars (USD) and exclude taxes and shipping costs. A $200 deposit is required at the time of order, with the full balance due upon the instrument's completion. To initiate the purchase of one of my creations, just email me, and we will begin the process. Payment can be completed through PayPal invoicing, which accepts credit cards among other methods. Once the payment is confirmed, your instrument will be dispatched to you using FedEx or a similar courier service.

Shipping and taxes

Shipping to the USA is approximately $75 USD, though rates may change over time. Tariffs can vary; I’ll always do my best to keep your costs as low as possible

Shipping to the EU and UK costs approximately $180 USD, in the EU a 3% customs duty and VAT are charged.

Caring for your instrument

To ensure that your instrument lasts a lifetime, it's important to take good care of it. As all my instruments are made of 100% solid wood and finished with shellac, it's crucial to keep them in an environment with a humidity level of 40-60%. Prolonged exposure to dry conditions will cause irreversible damage, even if it doesn't show immediately.