Bow Rehairing
Professional Bow Rehairing & Restoration Services in the UK
A well-maintained bow is just as important as the instrument itself. At our workshop, we provide professional bow rehairing, repair, and full restoration services for violin, viola, cello, and double bass bows.
From routine maintenance to complex historical restorations, every bow is handled with precision, respect for original materials, and deep understanding of balance, tension, and playability. We work with modern, vintage, and antique bows, offering bespoke solutions tailored to each musician and each bow.
Our workshop accepts bows from Darlington and across the UK, either in person or via secure shipping.
Bow Rehairing
Rehairing is the most common and essential bow maintenance procedure.
We perform full hair replacement, carefully selecting the appropriate hair to match the bow and the player’s preferences.
Our rehairing service includes:
Selection of premium horsehair (Mongolian, Siberian, and other grades)
Precise adjustment of hair tension and density
Correct alignment for even response and control
Final balancing and playability check
Stick Repair and Straightening
Over time, a bow stick may warp, lose elasticity, or develop cracks.
Our goal is always to preserve the original stick whenever possible.
Services include:
Straightening and re-cambering the stick
Adjusting curvature for optimal tension and response
Reinforcing minor cracks
Stick replacement only in rare, severe cases
Screw and Button Mechanism Repair
A smooth and reliable screw mechanism is essential for proper tension control.
Our services include:
Cleaning and lubricating the screw
Screw replacement
Button repair or replacement
Restoration of damaged threads
Grip and Winding Replacement
The grip and winding directly affect balance and comfort.
We provide:
Replacement of metal windings (silver, nickel, copper)
Replacement of leather thumb grips
Careful rebalancing of the bow after installation
Cosmetic Bow Restoration
Cosmetic work enhances both appearance and value while preserving originality.
We offer:
Polishing the stick
Removing small scratches
Restoring varnish or finish
Careful work on decorative inlays
Frog Repair and Restoration
The frog is one of the most delicate and mechanically complex parts of the bow. Even small issues can affect control and comfort.
Our frog services include:
Repairing or reinforcing slide channels
Replacing or adjusting wedges
Repairing cracks and structural damage
Restoring or replacing fittings (mother-of-pearl, silver, nickel, etc.)
Tip (Head) Repair
Tip and head repairs require exceptional precision and experience. This is one of the most technically demanding aspects of bow restoration.
We offer:
Reinforcement of head cracks
Restoration or replacement of broken heads
Installation of new tip plates using legal ivory alternatives (mammoth or high-quality synthetic materials)
Full Restoration of Historical Bows
Historical and antique bows require a highly specialized approach.
Our full restoration service includes:
Maximum preservation of original materials
The least invasive repair techniques possible
Structural, mechanical, and cosmetic restoration
Detailed documentation of all restoration stages
What Our Clients Say
“K&IMC have re-haired viola and violin bows for me in recent months. They use really good quality hair, and bows are ready to play straight away. I recommend them highly.”
— Jill Russell, viola and violin player
Why Choose Us?
Specialised Bow Expertise
We focus specifically on bow rehairing, repair, and restoration — from modern bows to historical and antique pieces.
Respect for Original Materials
Our work prioritises preservation. Wherever possible, we retain original components and use minimally invasive restoration techniques.
Precision and Playability First
Every repair is performed with careful attention to balance, tension, camber, and response — not just appearance.
FAQ
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Most players need rehairing every 6–12 months, depending on usage, climate, and playing style.
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We repair and restore violin, viola, cello, and double bass bows — modern, vintage, and antique.
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Yes. We specialize in historical bow restoration with a strong focus on preserving originality and value.
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Yes. We accept bows shipped from across the UK. We will advise on safe packing and insured delivery.
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Simple services like rehairing may take a few days. Complex restorations require assessment and can take longer depending on condition.
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
