How We Restored a Double Bass with a 55 cm Rib Crack
Initial condition
The double bass arrived with a large crack in the side (rib), measuring approximately 55 centimeters in length.
The crack compromised the structural strength of the instrument and required a full professional restoration rather than a superficial repair.
Restoration Process
1. Opening the Double Bass Body
The body of the double bass was carefully opened to allow full access to the damaged rib from the inside, ensuring a correct and secure repair.
2. Crack Preparation and Gluing
Natural traditional hide glue was applied to the rib crack. This type of glue is essential in instrument restoration, as it remains reversible and acoustically appropriate.
3. Securing the Crack
The cracked rib was precisely aligned and tightened using specialized clamps to ensure perfect closure and stability during the gluing process.
4. Internal Reinforcement with Patches
After the crack was secured, protective internal patches were applied along the damaged area from the inside of the rib. These patches reinforce the repair and prevent future movement or reopening of the crack.
5. Finishing the Reinforcement
Once the glue had fully cured, the clamps were removed. The internal patches were carefully shaped and smoothed using two specialized luthier planes, ensuring clean workmanship and minimal impact on the instrument’s resonance.
6. Reassembly of the Double Bass Body
The double bass body was then carefully glued back together, restoring the instrument’s original structure and strength.
7. Sound Post Installation
A correctly sized sound post was fitted and installed in the precise position inside the double bass, ensuring proper sound transmission and balance.
8. Final Setup and Adjustment
The restoration was completed with:
Installation of the bridge
Installation of new strings
Full adjustment of the instrument
This final setup ensured optimal playability, tonal balance, and responsiveness.
Final Result
The double bass was fully restored, structurally secure, and ready for performance. The repaired rib is stable and reinforced from the inside, while the instrument’s sound and character have been preserved and properly adjusted.
Customer feedback
“Kostia and Iryna were fantastic! They have made my old violin sound so beautiful. The repairs were excellent quality and they kept me informed throughout the process, sending photos of the repairs. It was really wonderful to see the craftsmanship and to hear my violin sounding more perfect than ever before. Thank you both!”
— Helen Perkins, violin player
Summary
This restoration not only repaired the structural crack but also transformed the violin’s tone. With a new bass bar, reinforced body, and upgraded components, the instrument regained its resonance, projection, and character — allowing it to sound more beautiful than ever.
Our Services
Restoration & Repair
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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
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• 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
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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
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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
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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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