Case Study: Restoration of a Cello with Label “Copy by Laurenzio Guadagnini”

This cello, marked with a label “Copy by Laurenzio Guadagnini,” arrived at our workshop in an unplayable condition. It suffered from multiple cracks, rib damage, and an oversized sound post. Our task was to carefully restore its structure and revive its full, rich tone.

How We Restored a Cello with Label “Copy by Laurenzio Guadagnini”

Initial condition

  • Crack on the front body under the tailpiece.

  • Crack on the back body at the sound post, caused by an oversized sound post.

  • Cracks on both ribs (bottom left and bottom right).

  • Peeling of the upper rib edge from the base of the cello neck.

  • The cello was unplayable due to these issues.

Restoration process

1. Opening the cello body.

2. Sealing the back crack – gluing and tightening.

3. Reinforcement with a large patch in the sound post area for durability.

4. Front body crack repair – gluing process recorded on video.

5. Adding internal patches to strengthen repaired areas.

6. Rib crack repairs:

  • Bottom right rib.

  • Bottom left rib.

7. Neck joint repair – re-gluing the peeled rib edge to the neck base.

8. Intermediate result after repairs.

9. Reassembly – gluing the restored cello parts together.

10. Body gluing with clamps.

11. Sound adjustment:

  • Old sound post caused wolf tones and rattling.

  • A new sound post was made and fitted, eliminating the problem.

12. Final result – cello fully restored and ready to play.

Customer feedback

“Kostia and Iryna have just completed some extensive restoration to my cello, including a number of repairs to cracks, installing a new tailpiece and new sound post. The whole process was handled with great skill and was well documented with photos and videos. I am so pleased with the result. Thank you very much.”

— Sarah Surman, cello player

Summary

The restoration of this cello with label “Copy by Laurenzio Guadagnini” required extensive structural work, including multiple crack repairs, rib reinforcement, and a new sound post installation. From an unplayable state, the instrument was transformed into a fully restored cello with a strong, resonant sound, ready for performance once again.

Our Services

Restoration & Repair

  • Summary

    We can repair, adjust or restore any stringed instruments. We usually work with violins, violas, cellos and double basses but we can also repair guitars, mandolins and other stringed instruments.

    We undertake any job, from minor adjustments through to complete restoration.

    Common repairs/adjustments include:

    • Replacing the bass bar
    • Replacing or adjusting the bridge
    • Replacing or adjusting the sound post
    • Scroll and neck restoration
    • Fingerboard replacement/adjustment
    • Replacing or refurbishing pegs,tailpice ets
    • Repairing cracks and regluing edges
    •
    • Crack Repair
    • Retouching varnish/revarnishing
    • Professional leaning
    • Old varnish removal and new varnish application (Shellac).

    Maximise the potential of your instrument

    As experienced performers, we know how to get the best our of your instrument. Schedule a session with us to discuss how we can help your optimise the sound of your instrument. We can advise on the best strings to use, and experiment with moving the soundpost, during your visit.

Bows Restoration & Rehair

  • Summary

    Bow repairs and rehairing:

    We repair and rehair bows using the highest quality horsehair sourced from Mongolia. As well as

    rehairing, we can also adjust and repair bows so they play reliably and comfortably.
    Common repairs/adjustments include:

    • Violin / viola / cello / double bass bow rehair
    • Leather thumbpiece replacement
    • Silver winding repair/replacement
    • Screw and eye repair/replacement
    • Slide ( for frog) replacement
    • Frog repair
    • Bow tip replacement

String Instruments For Sale

  • Summary

    Stringed instruments for sale

    We have a varied collection of violins, violas and cellos for sale, together with a selection of bows.

    We have affordable student instruments, premium instruments for professionals and a range of mid-

    price models. We have played all the instruments in, and are knowledgeable about their strengths

    and limitations.

    Please visit us to try out our beautiful instruments, or contact us for a video consultation.

How It Works

  • Accessible Repair Services

    No matter your location, access our top-tier repair services remotely by sending us your instrument with our labels. Even if you are in a remote area, we ensure your instrument receives the highest standard of care.

    How It Works

    Sending your instrument/bow by post:

    When you contact us to arrange a rehair/repair, we will send postal labels and, if necessary, a case.

    We advise using Royal Mail Special Delivery or a tracked courier service. Please ensure that your have adequate insurance to cover delivery, whether your own or taken out through Royal Mail.

    Please take pictures beforehand in case of damage in transit.

    We aim to complete repairs/bow rehair in 7-10 days and will contact you if a repair is more complex than you anticipated.

    IMPORTANT: Please do not dispatch your instrument until you have received the labels

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