Repairs

Optimising the sound and playability of your instruments and bows is what makes my work challenging and worthwhile. Sometimes a small tweak achieves a great deal, at other times it takes extensive restoration.
Make an appointment to come into the workshop, so we can plan any maintenance, repairs and sound adjustments according to your needs and budget.
The conservation of your instrument is also extremely important. Considering that some of these beautiful instruments have been around for 3 centuries and more, we need to preserve them for future generations in the best possible condition.
To vist please make an appointment: 07495 787 682

The 'Same Day' bow-rehair is back!

Drop your bow in the morning and collect after two to three hours.

Prices for violin, viola and cello: £85.-
Double bass; white hair or salt-and-pepper: £115.-
Double bass black hair: £95
Black rehair for violin, viola, cello and baroque bows: £80.

Have you considered using black hair for student bows, baroque bows or cello bows?
It is strong and a bit coarser than the usual white Mongolian or Siberian. It is much less frequently used and therefore less expensive.

Advance booking is essential: 07495787682

Early music

From the start of my training in Cremona in 1986, restoring and setting up instruments for early music performace practice has had a special allure for me. Today it is still a large and much loved part of my workload.
Each era within the baroque through to the classical period has its own characteristics; I have a range of variations to choose from to suit your musical specifications. I then design and make the set-up individually for each instrument, to enhance its qualities as much as possible.

New build

Alongside setting up and repairing antique violins I enjoy making new baroque instruments. I recently finished and sold a baroque viola and a baroque violin, finished in 2023, is currently for sale at £9500. Please contact me if you would like to try it out or if you would like to discuss options for commissioning a baroque violin or viola.

Current prices for new commissions are:
Baroque violin, based on Andrea Amati, Amati bros or Stradivari: £12500
Viola, 39.5 based on Stradivari or 41.4 based on Andrea Guarneri: £15000
Viola 43.6 based on Castagneri: £ 17500

A personal note

As a luthier I admire the complex beauty of the violin-family instruments and their rich history, but my main motivation comes from the musicians who bring their instruments to my workshop.
Their instrument is not just object of beauty but also, perhaps mainly, a tool to earn a living and to express their musical gift.
With this in mind I repair and set up violins, violas and cellos. More recently I have picked up new making again, inspired by the beautiful antique instruments I have the privilege of working on and by the gifted players I have the pleasure to work with.

To visit please make an appointment
The reason I will meet with you by appointment only, is because I fit my working day around the time I expect you. Many parts of my work require total commitment: just think of applying hot glue or varnish, or tying the knot on damp bow hair. If I had to interrupt those tasks to run to the door it would be a calamity. So if I know you're coming I will put off those kind of jobs and plan something that can be put down for a few moments and then continued when you're gone. Thank you for understanding.

I’m currently selling some limited edition books relating to lutherie. Click on the link or the image with the books to open a PDF with titles and prices, not including shipping. If you would like to find out more please do not hesitate to contact me; I’m happy to video call, so you can check the condition of the books of your choice and we can discuss the best method of shipping, depending on where you are.