Repairs and Service

 The most important service we perform is setting up your stringed instrument for optimum performance and sound. This can often be done while you wait; if not, we will assess the instrument for you and explain what needs to be done.

Instruments need care. Changes in temperature, humidity, and carrying them from one location to another all have an effect on the sound your instrument makes. If you bought the instrument from us, bring it in every six months or so and let us do an assessment.

If you've noticed a drop in the amount or the quality of sound, or if the instrument is buzzing or vibrating when you play, bring it into the shop for a "check-up." We'll look at the bridge, soundpost, strings, seams, etc. to see what's causing the problem. The examination is free, and we can give you a detailed explanation of what repairs are needed and what the cost will be. More often, we fix it on the spot for under $25.  Problem solved!

Bridges

Bridges are made from maple. The best bridge will have a good grain. A bridge that is not cut right, that doesn't fit, that is too low or too high, or made from soft wood will cause you to have bad sound.

We often see bridges that have been simply set upright, with no adjustment or carving. In fact, every instrument is unique in its shape, so bridges have to be cut to fit the curve on top, then tuned by carving out some of the wood. You will find that having us spend 10-20 minutes on your bridge makes your sound 100 times better.

Sometimes bridges warp. As players, we put constant pressure on them by tightening the strings. For this reason, you should perform a visual check on your bridge from time to time to be sure it is standing straight. There are two schools of thought on a warped bridge. One of them is that the bridge should last as long as the instrument. People who follow this line of thought usually ask the luthier to straighten the bridge (done by soaking it in water overnight) and re-use it.

The other camp believes that once a bridge has warped it will continue to do so. They ask for a replacement bridge. We try to accomodate both ways of thinking. If you need a new bridge, we can show you several types (one for every pocketbook) and cut it to fit your violin, viola, cello, or bass. If you would like us to rework your bridge, we will as long as the instrument will be set up correctly using the "old" bridge.

Fiddle Bridge

Many of our clients enjoy fiddling. There is really not a certain bridge that is different from a violin bridge for fiddles. Rather, we cut the shape a little differently. Personally I fiddle on a hybrid bridge, one that is shaped much along the shape of the fingerboard but doesn't have the deep roundedness of a "violin" style bridge. This way I can use the same instrument either way.

But that's me. If you want a fiddle-style bridge (flatter bridge) we will cut your old one down or make a new one. The labor cost is the same for either one, and you can choose a bridge from our collection.

Here's the important part, and how we differ from other shops. We then spend time with you -- you play, tell us how it feels, and we make more adjustments if needed. Every player's hands are different...so only you know what works for you.

Soundposts

The soundpost is inside your violin, just behind the bridge. You can see it through the f-holes; It looks like a wooden dowel. It is in fact THE KEY to your instrument's sound. So if the soundpost falls, you have an emergency. Loosen the strings and take it to the luthier right away. Do not attempt to set the sound post back up; instead, let the luthier determine why it came down.

Soundposts are custom fit to one instrument. They are not standard and will not fit a different instrument. It is very important that you let a professional measure, cut and trim your soundpost. If it is not fit properly, it will crack the back of your instrument.

The best way to determine what repairs are needed is to bring the instrument in. It is impossible for us to make an assessment over the phone, no matter how knowledgeable you are! If you are not within driving distance, you can ship the instrument to us for an assessment. DHL, Fedex, UPS Ground, and the US Postal Service have all brought us instruments in good shape. Don't forget to insure the package! (If you like, I can call you with my Fedex discounted-rate account number. You can ship the package back and forth and pay a smaller shipping fee that way.)

   242 East Center Street~~Kingsport TN 37660~~phone  423.378.0088

Questions? Email us!