One Of The Top 100 Music Dealers Worldwide
Here Is Our Music Story
"I first heard about Plum Grove through a friend, and I have always gone back for the low prices, friendly and quick service, and the wonderful quality of work." - Julie, Violist
Plum Grove was founded by
16 year old Rick Thacker in 2002
The violin had been a part of his life since he started private lessons at age three. He later added the viola and taught both for over a decade.
Rick's love for stringed instruments eventually led to his luthier certification from the Chicago School of Violin Making. He has built several fine instruments, including the violin he gifted to his wife, Elizabeth, on their wedding day. He has apprenticed with several world-class luthiers from the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers (AFVBM) and Violin Society of America (VSA) medal-winning luthiers.
Rick Thacker
Plum Grove Music Education Center
Rick has been a member of many ensembles, most notably
Concertmaster for the Advanced Ensemble at the Chicago School of Violin Making
Plum Grove has been named one of the
Top 100 Music Dealers worldwide by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM.)
This prestigious honor ranks Plum Grove in the world's top 1% of music dealers. Plum Grove continues to serve Northwest Indiana, Chicagoland, and beyond with the most remarkable experience in musical instruments and education.
2022 Top 100 Dealer Award -NAMM