* Hans Weisshaar; Violin Maker

Hans Weisshaar, a well-known expert in violin making, restoration and repair, has died at his Sherman Oaks home. He was 77.

Weisshaar died Monday of cancer, said his daughter, Marguerite Gebhardt of Sherman Oaks.

Born in Germany’s Black Forest, Weisshaar learned violin making at a school in Mittenwald in Bavaria. A master violin maker by age 18, Weisshaar came to the United States in 1937 and lived in New York and Chicago. He moved to California in 1947 and opened a violin shop on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. The shop was relocated in the mid-1970s to the Larchmont Village area of Los Angeles.

Weisshaar was active with the shop, one of the best-known businesses devoted to the sales and restoration of stringed instruments, until a few weeks before his death.

During his lifetime, Weisshaar made about 100 instruments and taught more than three dozen people the art of violin and bow repair. He also lectured about stringed instruments throughout the world. Weisshaar and his protege, Margaret Shipman, spent nine years writing a book, “Violin Restoration: A Manual for Violin Makers,” published in 1989.

In addition to his daughter, Weisshaar is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jansje Weisshaar; son, Michael Weisshaar of Costa Mesa; one brother; two sisters; and three grandchildren.

Private services have been held. Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Mortuary handled the arrangements. Donations can be made in Weisshaar’s name to the American Cancer Society.