Case Study: Cracked Violin Restoration

Every instrument carries its own story, and sometimes that story is interrupted by time, wear, or damage. This violin came to our workshop with two serious issues — a visible crack in the lower body and a loss of its full, resonant tone. Our goal was not only to repair the instrument structurally, but also to bring back its beautiful sound and character.

How We Restored a Cracked Violin and Improved Its Sound Quality

Initial condition

The violin arrived with a visible crack in the lower body

The sound had weakened and lost resonance due to an old, worn bass bar that required replacement

Restoration process

1. Opening the front body of the violin to access the damaged parts.

2. Crack repair: gluing and tightening the crack in the lower body

3. Result after crack gluing – stable and secure repair

4. Reinforcement: adding internal patches to strengthen the glued crack

5. Bass bar replacement:

  • Removing the old bass bar with precise hand tools.

  • Making and fitting a new bass bar.

  • Gluing the new bass bar to the violin’s front plate.

  • Result of gluing – solid and clean work.

  • Shaping the bass bar to ensure correct acoustic response.

6. Reassembly: carefully gluing the violin body back together.

7. Final result after reassembly – violin body restored and stable.

8. Sound improvement: replacing the sound post, bridge, tailpiece, and strings with new high-quality components.

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

  • 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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