Stentor has been known to orchestral stringed instrument players and teachers for more than 100 years.   Edward C. Doughty, a Professor of Music and teacher of the violin, registered the name 'Stentor' in 1895 for gut violin strings and rosin.

Stentor Music Co. Ltd. was formed in the early 1960's by Michael Chapman Doughty and other members of his family. It has grown from very small beginnings to become the premier wholesale distributor of acoustic musical instruments in Britain. The Company has always specialised in stringed instruments of all kinds with an emphasis on educational instruments. 

 Stentor offers the largest range and best stock of parts and accessories in Britain. Their  total involvement ranges from research, manufacture and improvement of stringed instruments, to the supply of specialist woods for hand makers and the underwriting and organisation of major concerts, which enable the presentation of many international artists. Over the last thirty years, Stentor has contributed greatly to improved standards of playability in instruments for educational use.

In 1990, Stentor moved to its present freehold premises in Reigate. In December 1995, the year of the Stentor centenary, the Company opened a wholly owned subsidiary factory in Taixing, China. The factory employs local people making Stentor violins, cellos and other stringed instruments. These are exported to more than thirty countries and the Stentor trademark is registered by the Company in all major markets throughout the world.