Cello Repair
Professional Cello Repair & Restoration Services
At K&IMC, we provide expert cello repair and restoration services for professional musicians, students, and collectors. Our workshop is dedicated to bringing every cello back to its finest sound and playability, whether it needs minor adjustments or complete restoration.
About Our Cello Repair Services
Experience & Expertise in Cello Restoration
Our luthiers trained and gained experience in Ukraine, collaborating with renowned masters such as Ivan Bitus and restorers from the National Music Academy of Ukraine named after P. I. Tchaikovsky. This background ensures that every cello is repaired with the highest level of craftsmanship and respect for tradition.
Individual Approach to Every Cello
Each cello is unique — not only in tone and construction but also in its history and sentimental value. That’s why we treat every instrument individually, tailoring our repair and restoration methods to suit its specific needs and characteristics.
Combining Traditional & Modern Techniques
We use time-honoured lutherie techniques alongside modern restoration methods. This combination allows us to achieve long-lasting results while preserving the natural resonance and authenticity of each cello.
What Our Clients Say
“For many years I have played a beautiful old English cello, which has needed regular restoration work. For the past 5 years, I have been looking for a second cello that is more robust, so that I don't need to borrow an instrument while mine is being serviced.
I discussed this with Kostia, who suggested looking online for a cello that needed rehabilitation. He looked for several weeks and eventually found a cello in pieces with high-quality wood, which was on eBay at a reasonable price. He and Iryna have lovingly restored the cello, carefully shaping the pieces so they fit together perfectly.
The cello sounded good once it was reconstructed, but Kostia and Iryna then removed the cracked, heavy varnish and replaced it with a thinner shellac coating. This has released the tone, and after working with Kostia and Iryna to optimize the position of the sound post, bridge, etc., I now have a cello with a powerful, complex sound that responds sensitively as I play.
I now have a lovely instrument that far exceeds the expectations I had when the pieces arrived in the post.
Thank you so much, Kostia and Iryna, for bringing this lovely instrument to life again.”
— Penny, cello player
Why Choose Us?
Enhancing Sound Quality and Playability
At K&IMC, we don’t just repair visible damage — we focus on improving the cello’s sound quality and ease of play. Our goal is to help musicians achieve the best possible performance from their instrument.
Trusted by Musicians Across the UK
From professional performers to dedicated students, our clients rely on us for precise, careful, and reliable cello repairs. Whether you are in Darlington or anywhere across the UK, we can restore your instrument to its full potential.
FAQ
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Repair prices depend on the type of work and the condition of the instrument.
According to our official price list:Crack repairs — from £40
Bow rehair — from £60
Setting up instruments — from £60
Sound post replacement — from £70 (cello)
New bridge installation — from £70 (cello)
Fingerboard replacement — from £150
Major structural repairs (serious cracks, bass bar replacement, neck work) — from £350–£800
We always provide an estimate after inspecting the instrument.
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We complete repairs as quickly as possible without compromising quality.
Simple adjustments may take a few days, while more complex restoration can require more time. For shipped instruments, the standard turnaround is 7–10 days after receiving and assessing the instrument. -
Yes, absolutely.
We specialize in the restoration of vintage and antique cellos, as well as violins, violas, and double basses. Our luthiers have extensive experience working with old instruments and take great pleasure in bringing historic instruments back to life — restoring their sound, structure, and appearance. -
Yes — violins, violas, and bows can be safely shipped to us.
We can provide shipping labels and, if necessary, a protective case or packaging.However, we do not recommend shipping large instruments like cellos or double basses, as we do not currently have experience receiving such large items by courier.
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Yes, we perform a full range of setup and structural repairs for all bowed string instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass), including:
Sound post adjustment & replacement
Bridge replacement & adjustment
Tuning for optimal sound
Bass bar replacement
Crack repairs & gluing loose seams
Fingerboard gluing or replacement
Peg and tailpiece installation
All these services are part of our standard workshop work.
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Yes. We can repair broken scrolls, heads, and necks on violins, violas, cellos, and double basses.
We also repair guitars and mandolins, including:Cracks and loose parts
Gluing fingerboards
Replacing tuning pegs
These issues are common, and we handle them regularly with excellent results.
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Yes, of course.
If you’ve purchased new strings but are unsure how to install them, just bring your instrument — we will install and properly tune the new strings, ensuring the best sound and correct tension.
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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