£50 to £150 including VAT, depending on how much there is to remove and how delicate the varnish is. We look at the instrument first and quote before starting.
Wiping the strings and the area under them with a dry cloth after playing is sensible and worth doing every time. Beyond that, the risk is real. Household cleaners, alcohol, furniture polish and commercial violin polishes can all damage sensitive varnish. On a fine or antique instrument, that damage may be irreversible and can materially affect its value.
Cleaning always requires care, particularly on an old or fragile varnish. We assess the surface first and use the least intervention necessary to remove unwanted build-up safely. Where varnish is soft, unstable or flaking, we will limit the cleaning or recommend leaving an area alone.
On a fine old instrument, wear and patina form part of its history and should not be confused with dirt. Over-cleaning can remove original material and adversely affect both appearance and value. We take the dirt off and leave the age on. If we think it should be left alone, we will tell you.
Cleaning is primarily about care and preservation rather than sound. An instrument with very heavy build-up may feel or respond a little differently afterwards, but we would not recommend cleaning as a tonal treatment. If sound is the reason you are coming in, our adjustment service is more appropriate.
There is no fixed interval. Wiping the instrument carefully with a dry cloth after each session prevents most build-up, and many instruments only need professional cleaning occasionally. If rosin or dirt no longer comes away with normal dry wiping, it is worth having us look at it.
Yes. Bow sticks can accumulate rosin, dirt and perspiration, particularly around the frog and grip. Cleaning is often conveniently carried out during a rehair while the old hair has been removed.
A light clean can often be done while you wait. Heavier build-up, or anything on a delicate old varnish, wants the instrument left with us for a few days so it can be worked on slowly.
Yes. The showroom at 49 Little Britain, London EC1A 7BH is by appointment only, Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. Book online or call 0330 133 4225.
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