McLaughlin Violins performs regular maintenance of instruments as well as serious restorations on valuable instruments. From seam gluing to repairing cracks on violins/violas/cellos/basses, every step is meticulously executed and refined. Don’t trust your valuable instruments with just any shop.

violins, violas & cellos require regular maintenance

Our quotes of any project are always free. During your consultation, we will suggest all the things you need to know about the job and strive to make it the least intimidating project of your career. Don’t worry, you get to decide exactly what repairs will be performed on your valued possession.

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This back had several open cracks...

...a badly compromised button and a couple of very badly worn edges. There were also several places where badly matched purfling had been put in by a previous repairman.

Close-up of the back cracks and the badly compromised button.

Close-up of cracks in the lower bout.

Preparing the upper bout for the new edge and button patch.

Clamping and gluing the large crack in the lower bout.

The new edge and button are clamped into place after gluing. There is a cast supporting the other side.

Glued patch.

Roughed out.

Shaped edge and button. Varnish time! This job also included a neck graft.

Finished back.

Finished cracks and new button, edge and purfling.

Finished cracks, new edge and purfling.

Finished button, cracks and edge.

New edge on the back.

This rib was very thin, cracked, and had an old, badly-fit repair that was coming apart.

First, I had to carefully remove the rib from the lower block. I also removed the badly fit piece of wood.

Next, I prepared the area where the through-patch would go.

Here is the through-patch be fore gluing. The tape helps me line everything up once the glue is applied.

After gluing, and before the rib-doubling is in place.

From the outside.

Finished repair.

Repair Services include

Tonal adjustment
Crack repair
Neck reset and graft
Arch correction
Open edge seam gluing
Varnish touch up
Bridge and sound post replacement
Peg repair and replacement
Finger board planing and replacement