Keller Strings, a second-generation family-owned shop specializing in orchestral stringed instruments, is celebrating 50 years in business as it transitions to new ownership.
“We are super excited to watch our 50-year-old family business continue to serve the needs of our string community in the Gulf Coast and beyond,” said owner Paula Keller Smith.
Previously established in Lawrence, Kansas, Keller Strings relocated to New Orleans in 2013 with a mission to provide sales, rentals, repair and restoration to the city where music is the backbone of our culture. Currently located in the Lakeview area with easy access to I-10, the full-service shop has become a vital resource for the local musical community and has contributed to the creation and growth of at least five new orchestral string programs in the city.
The new owners plan to boost national awareness with a greater selection of professional instruments and online sales. Current owners Paula Keller Smith and John W. Smith plan to retire in mid-summer.
Looking Back on 2025: A Year of Controlled Chaos (Emphasis on “Controlled”)