Instruments are alive

We’re here to keep that instrument of yours in its best health, so you and your match can perform your best.

we specialize in, but are not limited to:

Buzz diagnostics

Soundpost setup and fine adjustments

Peg box cracks

Deep cleaning

Bass bar installation/replacement

Advanced instrument setup and tonal adjustments

Seam & crack repairs

Varnish touch ups

Neck sets & fingerboard adjustments

Bow rehairs

BASS BAR REPLACEMENT

This client came to us with an old German instrument with an integrated bass bar - meaning the bar and the top plate are all carved from the same piece of wood. A separately installed bass bar will provide much better projection of sound.

 The process of fitting takes multiple hours. Using carefully selected spruce, we chalk fit it to the curve of the plate exactly, with no gaps, so the bar can move sound waves through the full width of the top plate.

Once the bar is fitted, it’s time to trim. The height standards are made to give the most support in the middle, right under the bridge, tapering out to the ends of the plate.  The change in the instrument’s ability to project should be dramatic!

CRACK REPAIR

An instrument with a major crack can be a devastating reality for any player. However, it can be fixed! This cello came in with quite a large crack. To repair it, the top plate must be taken off, which requires plenty of effort.

Next, we glue small blocks along both sides of the crack. Once it’s dried, we glue the crack, then level the two sides and clamp the blocks. Patience is a requirement - waiting for things to dry takes time.

Finally, we glue cleats on the crack to prevent it from opening; beforehand, though, the cleats must be properly shaped to fit the curve of the plate.

And voila! Your instrument is repaired!

Double Cheek Graft

We received a violin in desperate need of a double cheek graft.

The peg holes were too close and failing. To combat this we removed the old cheek graft, which had mismatched wood, and used dental compound to keep the inner walls of the pegbox stable.

We followed through with a chalk fitting using matching flamed wood. We fitted both sides and finished with touch-up.

Now, we've got ourselves a happy violin!

Call us today for a repair consultation. While we can give a general estimate for repairs over the phone, we can’t give proper estimates for your specific instrument until we see it in person.

If for any reason your instrument restoration needs are beyond our capabilities, we can match you with a Violin Society of America (VSA) member luthier who can accomplish the work.

OUR CUSTOMERS SAY:

“Rozanne is fantastic - this is the best I've ever heard my cello sound, thank you so much!”

– Cary C.

OUR CUSTOMERS SAY:

“Amazing customer service and extremely knowledgeable staff. Will continue to support this business as my daughter’s go-to violin store for repairs, accessories, and instruments.”

– Caroline H.