Restoration & Repairs

Owning a violin, viola or cello is a devotion of love to not only the beautiful music it makes but to the beauty and care of the instrument also. To keep it in optimal playing condition I advise you to have the instrument inspected when there is a season change specifically when the weather differentiates for any extended period of time. Not only is the weather changing but your instrument will be ever so slightly which could have a dramatic effect on the sound but if there are any small cracks these could be prone to becoming a large crack if not attended to appropriately. If in the wrong place it could ultimately reduce the value of your instrument!

To maintain the longevity of your instrument it is important to find a qualified and experienced restorer like myself. It is also important for you to feel at ease and able to entrust your prided instrument in the hands of your luthier. I have trained at the Newark and Sherwood school of violin making where repair techniques are taught and furthered myself in other workshops around the world including Frederick Phelps of London and worked for other respected establishments in the south east and south west of England.

Violin restoration, viola restoration and cello restoration are all restored or repaired under the same principles, it’s just the scale of things that change. When I take on a restoration or even the simplest of repairs I provide you initially with a fully detailed estimate of all the things that the instrument needs with clearly shown prices that. The total of the estimate is the most you will pay so there aren’t any risks of spiralling costs which you may get in other industries. The estimate is split into two sections. Some repairs may be considered of high importance and to be carried out as soon as possible and others will be suggestions that should be done either now or some point in the future. Not only will I list these but will take the time to guide you through what they are and mean for the instrument. More often than not the top of the instrument will be carefully removed to gain access to the inside of the box and also for ease of repairing any cracks on the front.

My goal for every instrument brought to me is to be able to return it to the owner in first class condition and sounding fantastic. All repairs are carried out with the upmost attention to detail, keeping the instrument in the most original condition possible and with the appearance that nothing has happened. All glued repairs are done with hide glue which is water based and reversible should it ever need be. Cracks are re-enforced to prevent the crack re-occurring with studs or cleats. They are both the same thing and are usually made of the same material it is being glued to. They are then shaped and made thin as possible at the edges to prevent new cracks being started.

When the restoration is complete, a new bridge and post is likely to be needed. I like to have you close by when this part is nearing completion so the sound can be manipulated into sounding the best it possibly can.

If you would like to have your instrument looked at please call me or email on enquiries@edwardgautviolins.co.uk to arrange an appointment for your free estimate.