Welcome to Our Historic Downtown Bryan Location
Located in the beautiful Duke & Ayers building (circa 1876) in the heart of downtown Bryan
Our Journey
The Beginning
Luthier Bradley Bowman opens Bowman's String & Horn Shop, establishing a trusted resource for musicians in the Brazos Valley.
New Ownership
Paul and Susan Rieger purchase the business, renaming it The String & Horn Shop, Inc., and relocate to the historic Duke & Ayers building in downtown Bryan.
Growth & Excellence
Harold Turbyfill joins as Master String Repairman. The shop becomes one of the cornerstone businesses helping revitalize downtown Bryan.
Continuing the Legacy
With Patrick Wuensche leading band repairs and our dedicated team, we continue serving musicians throughout Central Texas with the same commitment to quality and service.
Our Philosophy
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to play music. Whether you're a curious beginner taking your first steps into the world of music or a professional musician pursuing your passion, we're here to support your journey.
We cater to beginning music students while also serving intermediate and professional musicians with quality instruments from trusted brands. Our goal is simple: provide excellent instruments, expert repair services, and personalized attention to every musician who walks through our door.
🏆 Voted Best of the Brazos Valley
Meet Our Expert Team
Over 100 years of combined music and instrument experience
Susan Rieger
Susan grew up playing cello in Ottumwa, Iowa, studying under Anne Schaffner at Northwest Missouri State University and Phyllis Young at the University of Texas at Austin. She graduated from UT in 1989 with a BA in Music Education.
Susan taught orchestra for over 5 years in the Bryan Independent School District and continued teaching private lessons for over 15 years. Her passion for music education and deep understanding of string instruments guides our commitment to serving students and teachers.
Paul Rieger
Paul graduated from Texas A&M University in 1987 with a degree in Political Science and worked extensively in international sales, particularly in Germany. This experience proved invaluable when importing quality string instruments from European makers.
After working in communications throughout the United States for approximately 10 years, Paul partnered with Susan to acquire The Bowman's String & Horn Shop in 1994, growing its market presence and brand considerably throughout Texas and beyond.
Harold Turbyfill
Harold received a BM and MM in Music Education from East Carolina University. He taught orchestra in North Carolina, Tennessee, and spent 22 years teaching in Bryan, TX, where he also served as the district's main string repairman.
A founding member of the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, Harold joined The String & Horn Shop as Master Repair Technician after retiring from teaching in 2000. He later joined Sam Houston State University faculty as Adjunct Professor. Harold authored a maintenance manual for classroom teachers published by ASTA and acquired by Alfred Publishing.
Patrick Wuensche
Patrick grew up in Bryan/College Station learning the craft from his father, Clayton Wuensche, a well-respected band repairman in Texas with over 20 years of experience. Under Clayton's expert tutelage, Patrick mastered the same skills and techniques.
When Clayton sadly passed in 2021, Patrick took over as head of band repair, continuing the family legacy of excellence. As one of the most experienced band shop technicians in the Brazos Valley area, Patrick is always willing to help you or your student get their instrument back to pristine condition.
Experience the Difference
Visit our historic downtown Bryan location and meet our team