String Instrument Repairs

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Reviews

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  Belle Kaizoku

  Geoff of String Instrument Repairs is a wonderfully knowledgable and thoughtful luthier. I needed assistance in adjusting a long time uncomfortable violin set-up and found Geoff to be highly skilled and meticulous. I have now been equipped with shoulder and chin rests that correctly fit my anatomy and have since opened me up to a world of comfort of which I previously thought impossible! Additionally, I came away with a brand new set of strings which have been expertly recommended and installed; my playing experience has been utterly transformed. Geoff is incredibly friendly, attentive and understanding, and was kind enough to listen to all of my queries/answer my many questions in order to provide the highest level of personalised service. He is quick to respond to emails and provides more than adequate detail in his tailored responses, and clearly communicates explanations for his recommendations. He also gave some additional advice regarding bow repair for a friend’s double bass even though I had initially only contacted him about my violin. Furthermore, his workshop is a musician’s dream! It is clear to see he takes great care in breathing life back into each instrument and attends to each of its specific needs carefully and appropriately. It was lovely to meet someone so passionate about his work. I have no hesitations in contacting him again should I need any further advice and have recommended him to two of my friends already.

  29-07-2022
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  Keith Martin

  Geoff did a very detailed assessment of my violin's needs after which I asked him to carry out the work and set up required. Geoff did the work impeccably and the instrument looks, sounds and plays better than it has during the 10 years I have owned it. I thought the cost to be very reasonable also. Thank you Geoff.

  29-05-2022
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  Lewis

  Really friendly and helpful.

  29-05-2022
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  John White

  Geoff has completely transformed our tired and damaged 19th century cello. It now sounds rich and resonant again. New strings; the pegs, fine adjusters attended to . Body repaired and cleaned. New bridge etc etc. He has beautifully rehaired the bow too. Prior to any work he will give you a full report on your instrument with his recommendations for necessary work plus a full breakdown of costs etc and a quote for the work. He is a skilled luthier- we are more than delighted and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him

  29-05-2022
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  Kirsty Louise

  Excellent service from Geoff who supplied and fitted a new string for my cello, and repaired the fine tuner. He was extremely helpful and courteous, would really recommend and would happily use his services again. Thanks Geoff!

  29-05-2022
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  Colin Wood

  Hi, My lovely wife treated me to my first ever violin for my recent 74th birthday its a brand new Hidersine Vivente. I've been practicing playing but instead of getting better I simply couldn't make any real progress When I phoned I was immediately taken to Geoff at Stringed Instrument Repairs due to his very friendly and polite phone manner; I explained to Geoff my problems and arranged to visit Geoff on the 17th November which I did taking along my violin and Wolf shoulder rest. Unfortunately Geoff couldn't let me in or show me his workshop because Covid is still a serious problem so we enjoyed a discussion on Geoff's front door step whilst wearing face covering and gloves. Within five minutes of arriving I was amazed by how quickly Geoff adjusted the shoulder rest to fit me; I'd tried and tried but given up in despair so what a really nice start. Just like our phone conversation Geoff proved to be every bit as friendly and answered my many questions in full and I had lots of questions being a raw novice to any stringed instrument; as soon as Geoff picked up the violin he said the G string is worn out. Access to Geoff's address couldn't be easier and I could park on the busy roadside right outside his home. With the violin now delivered and I'd given Geoff a free hand to do whatever was needed including fitting excellent quality strings we arranged collection in one week which was yesterday morning the 24th November and I returned home. I was full of apprehension as I arrived at Geoff's yesterday; were the problems I was experiencing fully down to my own ignorance and I knocked on his door. Geoff was his usual very friendly self and he told me the amount of work this wayward violin needed; as already stated it needed new strings; the pegs were very poorly installed; the button needed work but worst of all the very important sound post wasn't only fitted in the wrong place it had been rammed in. I knew straight away it was different because as Geoff picked up the violin out of its case it tinkled. The price charged was very fair indeed especially since most of it was for the more expensive full set of strings; I was more than happy to hand over the money. Initially when I phoned Geoff I said to Geoff I'd like a second hand orchestral quality violin I can grow into can you please supply such a violin or suggest where I can obtain one at a fair price; Geoff was going to look into this and I returned home. Back home though I thought Geoff had given me the wrong violin to the one I had left with him; the difference now was truly out of this world; suddenly I could play the scales on all four strings and it sounded so loud and crisp; before it sounded flat with little sound but now it had a loud voice making me want to play it; I couldn't believe it was the same violin and I'm over the moon with it. Geoff tells me to play it a lot and the crispness will turn into a lovely mellow sound. The Hidersine was incredibly poor to say it was brand new; it hadn't been set up at all from the factory just thrown together I urge any novice who is disappointed having bought a first violin and thinking of packing the lot in to contact a professional luthier it doesn't cost much to have the violin set up; I'm very fortunate indeed to now know Geoff whom I'll buy all my violin needs from in future he deserves loyal customers so why struggle when for little money even a cheap violin can be made to sing. I've never met Geoff previously but I'm delighted to have now met him. Regarding me buying an orchestral qualty violin Geoff has got just the violin for me but I'm not allowed to see it until it's fully set up; I think Geoff said it was made in 1880 so its going to be lovely Christmas present to me from my generouse wife; I'm looking forward to collecting it. I've gone on at length because seldom these days does such high qualty of workmanship cost so little; contact Geoff you won't regret it. Kind regards, Colin.

  29-05-2022
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  Margaret Cogill

  My old violin hadn’t been played for many years and there were a number of issues with it so I decided to have it serviced. Following an initial phone call to Geoff I was given an appointment to deliver the instrument and left it with him After he had fully examined it I received a detailed report by email of his recommendations and costs, which I agreed. I collected the violin by appointment a few weeks later after completion of the work. I am very happy with the renovation which Geoff carried out and feel the price was very fair.

  29-05-2022
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  Sandy Charlton

  The service Geoff provides is absolutely top class. He is unfailingly patient and courteous, and not only did he do a wonderful job restoring my cello to an 'as new' condition, but he spent time advising and explaining his recommendations following his initial assessment, seeking my approval at every stage before proceeding with the work. As I am a novice, his advice was invaluable, and I have no doubt that his reputation with professional musicians is well established.

  29-05-2022
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  Susan Sigsworth

  This is the first time I have seen and benefitted from the work of String Instrument Repairs, but I am so impressed. My 100 year old violin is now in mint condition and has a beautifully sweet, mellow tone after being carefully and painstakingly repaired by Geoff. He was in touch by telephone and emails right from first contact, explaining everything that needed doing and quoting the final price. He gave professional advice which I'm very glad that I took. I am delighted with the result, and equally by the bow rehair, which I know can be a very tricky business. I will certainly be back.

  29-05-2022
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  Derek Hemsworth

  I contacted Geoff on his web page regarding renovation of a very old mandolin. It is a family heirloom passed down over several generations and was in a sorry state. Not only did Geoff restore it to a wonderful standard he was able to give us information about its origin, history and probable age (140 to 150 years). He also sourced a case for the instrument through his contacts in the industry. He has such knowledge and a caring and sympathetic attitude to both instrument and customer which left us with great confidence that he would do a good job. I would not hesitate to recommend his services in the future.

  29-05-2022