Repair

Restoration

Michael’s objective is not just to restore to an original state but to improve and bring the instrument to the peak of its potential in terms of playablity, sound and aesthetics.

Playability improvements typically include changes to make the instrument easier to play - string heights; fingerboard camber, hollow and slant; nut/bridge string spacing; tuning peg corrections; string tension; chin and shoulder rest comfort.

Sound improvements typically include addressing the construction and the instrument’s dimensions, elevations, forces, pressures and densities; neck angle adjustment, plate thickness and bass bar size, shape & position; also optimum set up of the vibrating system by enhancing resonance and acoustic range and increasing the available palette of texture, tone and timbre.

Aesthetic improvements typically include; restoring corners and edges, varnish retouching and full restorative four-stage clean, feed and polish.

When performing repairs and restoration the emphasis is on making your instrument playable again whilst trying to improve any shortcomings it may have in regards to ease of playing and its sound.

Of course taking the style and intentions of the original maker in to account is a given.

In this way your instrument maintains its value and is ready for action again.

I can provide a courtesy instrument for the duration of the repair and in addition I am an approved repairer for Allianz Musical Instrument Insurance and I can undertake the full spectrum of repairs, typically as follows . . .

Repairs and adjustment to the instrument's vibrating system

Considering and assessing all the variables following the path of the strings from the pegs, over the top nut and along the fingerboard, across the bridge/sound post into the tailpiece, across the saddle and on to the end pin, via the tail gut. In addition bass bar reshaping and replacement.

Peg hole and peg box restoration

Peg box cheek repairs, bushing peg holes and repositioning if necessary and fitting new pegs.

Crack repair

Cleaning and repairing open seams and cracks in ribs, plates and the peg box

Neck adjustment

Correcting the angle of elevation (neck angle) and string height at the bridge, specifically for sound improvements and playablity.

Replacing damaged corners and edges

Primarily to maintain/increase the instruments value and for aesthetic reasons.

Neck grafting

Replacing a broken or unsalvageable neck while keeping the original peg box and scroll.

Varnish Retouching

Blending in repaired areas, unsightly knocks, cracks and fractures.

* After most repairs it is advisable to give the instrument a new set up to ensure it is playing to its full potential; thoroughly clean the instrument and apply a special refined wax to revive and protect the finish.

** If the instrument has significant historical importance and is such that it cannot function, then the emphasis is on conservation, and in this respect I adhere to the MGC (Museums and Galleries Commission) and ICON (Institute of Conservation) guidelines for the care of historic musical instruments and the AIC (American Institute of Conservation) code of ethics and standards.

Repair & Restoration

Repairs