KCM Luthiery owner/luthier Krzysztof (Chris) Matyja has over thirty years of experience in working with stringed instruments. Originally from Poland, he was also an accomplished cellist and teacher with a Master's Degree. Since he arrived in British Columbia over 17 years ago, he has devoted himself almost exclusively to his current career as demand for his repair services grew throughout Western Canada. In spring of 2001 he established his own company and also started creating his own line of violins, violas and cellos.

In his premise at 4274 Fraser Street (at 27th Avenue) in Vancouver, B.C., Chris has a storefront to display his stock of new and vintage instruments and a large selection of accessories and supplies. In the well-equipped workshop he continues to provide the superior service that has made him a fixture at classical and fiddling circles of players.

He is known not only for his work, but also for his attitude - always keen and willing to go the extra mile to satisfy a customer, to share his knowledge and educate, and to give an honest opinion and the best advice.

When I set out to find an upgrade to my instrument, I was told to expect to pay at least $2000 for a playable instrument and much more for a well-sounding one. After half a year's futile search, I found myself in Chris' place with half a dozen contenders that all had tones that were superior to anything I'd previously tried and that were all priced at a fraction of the cost I had been expecting to pay. I had thought that high standards and low prices was a paradox, but fortunately for my musical career, it is not at KCM Luthiery.