Inside the Workshop: How We Approach Restoration Work

Every instrument that arrives in our workshop tells a story—of past players, repairs, accidents and artistry. Whether it's a student violin with an open seam or a century-old cello needing delicate grafting, our goal is the same: to preserve the character of the instrument while making it sing again.

At Bridge Street Violins, we believe restoration is about respect. Respect for the maker, for the materials, and above all, for the music the instrument still has to give. In this post, we’d like to take you behind the scenes and explain how we approach restoration work—and why it matters.

1. Listening First: The Initial Assessment

Before any work begins, we examine the instrument in detail. What repairs have been done before? Are they holding? Are there signs of wood movement, glue failure or wear to the varnish?

We use tools like inspection mirrors, UV light and an endoscope to assess internal work without disturbing the structure unnecessarily. This careful, non-invasive approach helps us decide what can be preserved and what must be corrected.

We also spend time listening—to the instrument and to the player. Many of our clients bring in heirlooms or long-loved instruments, and we’re always conscious of emotional as well as musical value.

2. Uncovering the Craft Beneath the Damage

Good restoration respects the original maker’s intent. That means using sympathetic materials, avoiding over-cleaning, and retaining as much original wood and varnish as possible.

When faced with old repairs—some skilled, some improvised—we consider their impact. Can we retain them safely? Will they hinder the instrument's tone or stability? In some cases, we improve or replace them using historically informed techniques.

Laurentius has a particular interest in improving historic repairs without erasing their story. Where possible, we make new work visually harmonious with the old—clear under close inspection, but not distracting.

3. Structural Soundness Before Aesthetic Finish

A well-restored violin must be structurally reliable. That might mean regluing seams, adding cleats to cracks, or correcting distorted arching. We prioritise the instrument’s ability to withstand tension and seasonal change.

Once that integrity is restored, we focus on retouching, colour matching and blending the finish—carefully building up pigments to match the original varnish without overcoating.

4. A Thoughtful Setup for Renewed Life

Every restoration ends with a full professional setup. New soundpost, bridge, strings, and a careful check of the fingerboard and nut ensure the instrument isn’t just repaired—it’s ready to play.

We take time to listen to the instrument post-restoration and adjust the setup to bring out its best qualities. It's always rewarding to hand back an instrument that feels alive again.

Restoration isn’t just repair. It’s conservation, interpretation and craft—and for us, it's always a privilege. Whether the work is visible or hidden inside, it’s part of keeping music alive through instruments that still have more to give.