Expert Violin Restoration Workshop
Welcome to the workshop of Katrin Gabriel, Master Violin Maker and Restorer. With more than three decades of experience in violin restoration, viola restoration and cello restoration, Katrin has dedicated her career to preserving and enhancing fine stringed instruments for musicians, collectors and dealers throughout the UK and internationally.
Every instrument that enters the workshop is treated with the utmost care and respect. Whether it is a valuable antique violin, a professional musician’s instrument requiring adjustment, or a family heirloom needing restoration, all work is carried out using traditional methods.
Workshop Impressions
Workshop
this is where it all happens…
Violin rack
violins lined up waiting to be restored
Pegs
inside the peg drawer
Violin+cello necks
cut off’s from violin, viola and cello necks that have been replaced with a new neckgraft
Wood
sycamore for restorations and repairs
Violin bridges
Violin and Viola bridges
Cello bridges
cello blanks (unfitted)
Fingerboards
old fingerboards for recycling, cello fingerboards can be turned into violin fingerboards, violin fingerboards into nuts, saddles, ebony crowns etc.
Sharpening stones
drawer full of sharpening stones
Plaster casts
some of the gypsum casts used for restoration
Band saw
my old band saw, which came from the late Dietrich Kessler’s estate and holds special memories for me
Bench Grinders
Bench Grinders and Honers
Specialist Violin Restoration Services
The workshop undertakes a wide range of restoration and repair work for violins, violas and cellos, including:
- Antique violin restoration
- Violin crack repairs
- Neck grafts and scroll repairs
- Soundpost repairs
- Arching corrections
- Fingerboard dressing and replacement
- Bridge fitting and adjustment
- Peg fitting and repairs
- Varnish restoration and retouching
- Open seam repairs
- Structural cello and viola restoration
- Professional instrument setup and tonal adjustment
Each restoration project begins with a detailed assessment to determine the most appropriate treatment for the instrument while preserving its historical integrity and tonal qualities.
Restoring Fine Antique Violins
Fine antique violins often require specialist restoration to maintain both their value and playing performance. Years of use, environmental changes and previous repairs can affect an instrument’s structure and sound.
Katrin Gabriel has extensive experience restoring historic violins, violas and cellos. Her workshop combines traditional craftsmanship with careful attention to detail, helping musicians and collectors preserve important instruments for future generations while achieving the best possible sound and playability.
Violin Repairs and Maintenance
Regular violin maintenance can prevent minor issues from becoming costly repairs. The workshop provides professional servicing for musicians of all levels, from students to orchestral professionals.
Annual inspections can identify problems such as open seams, worn fingerboards, loose fittings and developing cracks before they affect the instrument’s performance. Professional cleaning, setup adjustments and sound optimisation can also help maintain the instrument’s condition and tonal response.
Personal Service for Musicians and Collectors
A successful restoration is about more than repairing an instrument. It is about understanding the needs of the musician and helping the instrument perform at its best.
Katrin works closely with players throughout the restoration process, discussing tonal preferences, setup requirements and performance goals. This collaborative approach helps ensure that every violin, viola or cello leaves the workshop ready to provide many more years of musical enjoyment.
Arrange a Violin Restoration Consultation
If your violin, viola or cello requires restoration, repair or professional maintenance, contact Katrin Gabriel to discuss your instrument. Whether the work involves a simple repair, a complete violin restoration or expert tonal adjustment, the workshop offers specialist craftsmanship backed by decades of experience.