He likes to play when he’s not working.
DONALD COLBY
OWNER LUTHIER
Luthier (LOO-ti-ər)a craftsperson who builds and repairs string instruments that have a neck and a sound box.
B.S. and M.I.S. University of Illinois
In 2021, after 13 years as Principle Bassist of the Idaho State Civic Symphony (ISCS) and Adjunct Instructor of Double Bass at Idaho State University, Donald retired and returned to his home state of Illinois. He began studying piano at the age of five. At ten he picked up a string bass and never looked back. He studied with professors at the University of Illinois, Northwestern University, and Warren Benfield, then Assistant Principle bassist of the Chicago Symphony. He has performed as a section bassist with numerous symphonies, and with Dave Brubeck, Ella Fitzgerald, Roy Clark, Christopher Parkening and Bennie Goodman to mention a few.
Donald gained his basic luthier experience at the University of Illinois in the early 1960’s from his bass teacher Professor Ed Krolick . He reset his first sound post in 1962 and has been working on string instruments since.
Donald has played and studied the bass for more than six decades and has five plus decades of luthier and teaching experience. “I understand the connection a musician has with their valued instrument and I am committed to help them both produce the best sound possible.”
NAOMI LOOS
ASSOCIATE LUTHIER
B.A. in progress University of Illinois
Naomi began playing the violin at age 3 and picked up the Double Bass at the age of 10. She has played Classical Bass for most of her musical career, and now studies Jazz Bass with Larry Gray at the University of Illinois. While attending Whitney Young High School and being heavily involved in the arts programs, she was also a member of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra for 7 years, and studied under Stephen Lester with the CSO. She is very passionate about making music and helping others make music!
Naomi is currently earning her Bachelor of Arts in Music, with a minor in Business from the University of Illinois. She hopes to continue lutherie after graduation, as well as pursue talent management and booking in the Chicago music scene.
Naomi has been working as an active apprentice with Donald since March 2024 learning all aspects of the luthier profession. Among her many responsibilities, she deals with the bulk of bow repair/rehair around the shop, as well as assisting in instrument setups, body repair, and general maintenance of all stringed instruments. She also manages the webpage :).
Large or small, new or old, with a pedigree or a beloved mutt, all sound boxes are welcome!