In the small village of El Portal, just north of Miami, a modest 1930s cottage houses Miami String Haus, a specialized workshop and showroom for stringed instruments that has become a unique fixture in Florida’s music community. The business, founded more than 15 years ago by Miami native Charles Winters, serves classical and jazz musicians with a wide range of quality instruments, repairs, and restorations.

Nestled in the tree-lined Sherwood Forest area near the Little River, the shop combines a storybook atmosphere with a serious commitment to craftsmanship. The former living room of the cottage is now a compact showroom displaying violins, violas, cellos, and double basses, including rare and antique pieces. Adjacent to the showroom, master luthier Dale Cockrum, who brings nearly 45 years of experience to the craft, works on repairing and restoring instruments. Cockrum is skilled enough to build cellos from scratch, making the workshop a standout in Florida.

Winters, who is not only a music teacher and multi-instrumentalist but also an ardent supporter of music education, said Miami String Haus aims both to fill a growing void in the availability of quality string instruments and to promote music in the community, especially among young players. “Music is life,” Winters said, emphasizing the importance of accessible, well-maintained instruments for all skill levels.

The business caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from preschool beginners to professional orchestral musicians. Winters points out that even starter instruments receive the same attention and care as high-end or antique models. The shop offers bespoke instrument fabrication through partnerships with a factory in China and owns a workshop in Eastern Europe, extending its reach internationally.

Among its customers is Vincent Hsu, a jazz bassist and composer from Taiwan who rents a $39,000 double bass when performing in Miami. Local schools, both public and private, also rely on Miami String Haus for instrument rentals and repairs. Daniel Andai, principal violinist of the Miami Symphony and dean of the New World School of the Arts, praised Winters’s efforts as vital to the local music scene. “If he didn’t do this, I think Miami would feel that absence,” Andai said.

In addition to routine repairs, Miami String Haus handles complex restorations of historically significant instruments. Recently, the shop has worked on pieces dating back to the late 19th century, including a 1790 cello and a violin by Luigi Azzola, an Italian maker from the early 20th century. Winters also acquired an unusual Baroque viola d’amore, known for its resonant sound created by additional sympathetic strings, further highlighting the workshop’s dedication to preserving musical heritage.

Winters traced his passion for instrument repair to his youth when he began assisting his bass teacher in restoring a damaged instrument. His early experiences shaped his dual focus on music education and instrument craftsmanship. After formal studies in music business and education, Winters returned to Miami, combining teaching with his workshop efforts.

The house’s restored ambiance and the personalized attention offered have drawn customers who describe the shop as akin to a "Harry Potter wand shop" for violins. Winters strives to revive the European tradition of home-based string instrument workshops while adapting it to the South Florida context.

Recognizing the challenges young musicians face with instrument quality, Winters has implemented a trade-in program allowing students to upgrade as they progress. He also established a free apprenticeship program for aspiring luthiers, encouraging new generations to discover the inspiration that once motivated him.

“Think of what inspires kids,” Winters said. “It can be such a small thing.” Through Miami String Haus, he continues to foster that inspiration while supporting Miami’s musical future.