Professional Violin, viola, cello and bow repairs

Along with string replacement, bow rehairs are probably one of the most frequently required services by the player. Hair breakage/loss and length change due to changes in humidity are common reasons for a fresh rehair 1-2 times per year.

The heart and soul of an instrument set up is a properly fitted and adjusted bridge and soundpost. Seemingly minor differences in thickness, mass and position of the bridge and post can greatly affect the sound of an instrument. Periodic adjustments or replacement are usually required.

Midwest winters can be brutal on our instruments. Other than accidents or injury, the lack of adequate humidity is a leading cause of cracks. The utmost skill and care must be undertaken during the repair process to ensure that the crack is closed, level and secure.

Fingerboard resurfacing and sometimes replacement is typically required to maintain a smooth playing surface and prevent string buzzing. Pegs must be properly fitted and lubricated for ease of tuning without slipping. Fingerboards, pegs and tailpieces are becoming more readily available in non-traditional woods and engineered materials as an alternative to increasingly scarce ebony woods.

When your wire bow grip is beginning to unravel and/or the thumb leather is deteriorating, it's time to replace one or both. Bow windings are available in silver, nickel and faux whalebone. Thumb leathers are typically goatskin or black monitor.

With the seasonal expansion and contraction of spruce instrument tops, a lightly-glued down top can aid in the prevention of cracks, but can require the occasional gluing and clamping. Sometimes the player may notice a buzzing sound before spotting an open seam.

Other bow components such as tips, pearl eyes, pearl slides, eyelets and screws periodically need replacement. Tips are currently available in very high quality modern synthetic materials, eliminating the need for brittle bone tips or those made from protected ivories.

Even with regular wiping down after playing, rosin and dirt can accumulate on the varnish, fingerboard, bridge and strings of an instrument. The longer it remains the more difficult it can be to remove. Heavy deposits are best removed professionally.

In addition to the previously listed items, other repair services are available. Nut and saddle replacement, pegbox crack repairs, neck lifting/resetting, bow stick straightening/recambering and rib shortening are examples of additional services offered. Bring in your instrument or bow for an evaluation and repair estimate.