Contact Katrin Gabriel – Expert Violin, Viola & Cello Restoration Specialist in the UK
Whether you require a professional violin neck graft, crack repair, tonal adjustment, bridge fitting, varnish retouching, or full antique instrument restoration, Katrin Gabriel welcomes enquiries from musicians, collectors, conservatoires, orchestras, teachers, students, and private instrument owners.
With more than 44 years of experience in violin making and restoration, Katrin Gabriel is known for meticulous craftsmanship, historically sensitive restoration work, and a deep understanding of tonal balance and instrument performance. Trained at the renowned Mittenwald School of Violin Making in Germany, Katrin has restored and repaired a wide range of fine violins, violas, and cellos for professional musicians and discerning clients.
Contact
If you have a violin, viola or cello in need of expert care, please get in touch with us, we’d love to help!
Why Musicians Trust Katrin Gabriel
- Over 44 years of violin restoration experience
- German-trained master violin maker and restorer
- Specialist in violin, viola and cello restoration
- Expertise in neck grafts and structural repairs
- Trusted by professional musicians, teachers and collectors
- Historically sensitive restoration methods
- Personal, one-to-one consultation approach
Restoration & Repair Services
Katrin Gabriel offers specialist restoration and repair services for:
Violins
- Violin restoration
- Crack repairs
- Neck grafts
- Fingerboard work
- Soundpost adjustments
- Bridge fitting
- Peg fitting
- Varnish retouching
- Tonal optimisation
Violas
- Viola restoration
- Structural repairs
- Set-up improvements
- Tonal balancing
- Bridge and sound adjustments
Cellos
- Cello restoration
- Crack and seam repairs
- Neck repairs
- Tonal enhancement
- General maintenance and adjustments
Additional Services
- Instrument assessments
- Consultation appointments
- Preventative maintenance advice
- Restoration planning
- Professional set-up work
Antique & Fine Instrument Restoration
Every fine instrument carries its own history, personality, and tonal character. Katrin Gabriel approaches each restoration project with great care and respect for the original craftsmanship of the instrument.
Whether restoring an antique violin, improving the tonal response of a modern instrument, or carrying out a delicate neck graft, the aim is always to preserve both the musical integrity and visual beauty of the instrument while ensuring it performs at its highest level.
Arrange a Consultation
If you would like to discuss your violin, viola, or cello restoration needs, please use the contact form below.
When contacting Katrin, it is helpful to include:
- The type of instrument
- Approximate age of the instrument
- Description of the issue or restoration required
- Photographs if available
This helps provide a more accurate initial assessment.
Arrange a Consultation
“Thank you so much for your excellent work on my violin – the neck graft is beautifully crafted and perfectly shaped. Your set-up works really well with the tone evenly balanced and functioning healthily.”
— Sophie Langdon, Professor of Violin at the Royal Academy of Music
“The instrument that came back from repair looked powerful, beautiful, and natural. The moment I played it, its gentle sound soaked into my body.”
— Motoko Mito, Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the safest and best way to transport an instrument is to bring it in person.
Absolutely. Katrin Gabriel specialises in carefully crafted violin neck grafts that preserve both structural integrity and tonal quality.
Yes. Antique violin restoration is one of Katrin’s specialist areas, with careful attention given to preserving originality and historical character.
In many cases, yes. Crack repairs and structural restoration are common services offered for violins, violas, and cellos.
Yes. Tonal balancing and sound optimisation are an important part of Katrin’s restoration and set-up work.
Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the restoration. Smaller adjustments may take only a short period, while major restoration work can require more time.
Yes. Katrin works with musicians at all levels, from students and teachers to orchestral leaders, soloists, and collectors.
Yes. Please get in touch in advance to discuss your instrument and arrange a suitable consultation appointment.