Viola Repair Services
Professional Viola Repair Services
About Our Viola Repair Services in Darlington & Across the UK
At K&IMC, we specialise in professional viola repair and restoration services for students, orchestral players, and soloists. Our experienced luthiers combine deep craftsmanship with precise acoustic understanding to bring out the warm, expressive tone that every viola deserves.
Expertise and Heritage in Viola Restoration
Our roots trace back to Ukraine, where our luthiers trained and collaborated with masters such as Ivan Bitus and restorers from the National Music Academy of Ukraine named after P. I. Tchaikovsky. This tradition of excellence allows us to approach every viola repair with exceptional attention to detail and authenticity.
Individual Care for Every Instrument
Each viola has its own unique character and response. Whether your instrument requires crack repair, varnish restoration, or tonal adjustments, we treat it as both a musical and emotional treasure — ensuring it receives the precise care it needs.
Balancing Aesthetics and Acoustic Perfection
We understand that violas are known for their deep and complex tonal palette. Our focus goes beyond appearance — we work to enhance sound projection, resonance, and balance while preserving the instrument’s individuality and playability.
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 K&IMC for Viola Repair
Experienced Viola Specialists
Our luthiers have years of experience working with violas of various schools and constructions, from student instruments to professional-grade models.
Full Range of Services
From seam and crack repair to bridge, peg, and soundpost adjustments, bow rehairing, and full varnish restoration — we handle every aspect of viola maintenance.
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 £50
New bridge installation — from £40
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 violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Our luthiers have extensive experience working with old instruments and take great pleasure in giving historic instruments new 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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