Business Details
Expert Violin Shop & Restoration Services in Exeter
Established in Exeter, Devon, we are a professional violin shop and workshop serving musicians of all levels. Our team comprises Jonathan and Rebecca Springall, both professionally trained violin makers with extensive experience in instrument repair, restoration, and crafting. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including violin, viola, cello, and double bass repairs, bow rehairing, and the sale of high-quality instruments and accessories. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our meticulous attention to detail, from hand-carved bridges to precisely adjusted soundposts.With decades of combined experience, including teaching roles at prestigious institutions, we blend traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. Our shop stocks instruments suitable for beginners to professionals, all properly set up for optimal playability. We prioritise customer satisfaction by providing free string fitting for purchases and transparent, expert advice. During Sidmouth Folk Week, we extend our services to a temporary stand, demonstrating our dedication to community engagement and accessibility.
Services
Violin Repairs
Cello Restorations
String Instrument Sales
Bow Rehairing
Sheet Music
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of combined experience in violin making and repair.
- Our instruments are professionally set up with hand-carved bridges and adjusted soundposts.
- We provide free string fitting for all string purchases.
- Our team includes trained violin makers with teaching experience at renowned institutions.
- We specialise in both modern and baroque instrument craftsmanship.
Services
Violin Repairs
We specialise in violin repairs ranging from crack fixes to complete restorations. Our team handles peg fitting, soundpost adjustments, and varnish retouching. Each repair is conducted with precision to maintain the instrument's integrity and sound quality.
Cello Restorations
Our cello restoration service addresses structural and tonal issues in vintage instruments. Techniques include neck grafts, bass bar fitting, and sunken arching restoration, ensuring historical accuracy and playability for modern musicians.
String Instrument Sales
We offer a curated selection of violins, violas, cellos, and double basses for all skill levels. Every instrument is professionally set up with hand-carved bridges and quality strings, guaranteeing optimal performance straight from purchase.
Bow Rehairing
Our bow rehairing service uses premium materials to restore playability and tension. We also repair frog mechanisms and replace hair on damaged bows, ensuring longevity and consistent performance for string players.
Sheet Music
We provide free downloadable mandolin and piano sheet music, including classical arrangements. Our collection aims to support musicians with accessible, high-quality resources for practice and performance.
People
Rebecca Springall
Violin Maker & Restorer
Rebecca began violin making at age 13 and trained at the Newark School of Violin Making. She teaches at the Cambridge Violin Maker's Workshop and specialises in baroque and modern instruments, combining craftsmanship with orchestral experience.
Jonathan Springall
Violin Maker & Restorer
Jonathan studied Baroque instruments at Newark School and lectured there part-time. He has managed workshops in Canada and the UK, focusing on antique restoration and collaborative instrument projects with Rebecca.
Questions
What services does Devon Strings offer?
We provide violin, viola, cello, and double bass repairs, restorations, and sales. Additional services include bow rehairing, sheet music downloads, and instrument setup.
Are your instruments suitable for beginners?
Yes, we stock instruments for all skill levels, including beginners, with professional setups to ensure ease of play and sound quality.
Do you offer repairs for antique instruments?
Yes, we specialise in restoring antique string instruments, including structural repairs and tonal adjustments, while preserving historical integrity.
Can I visit your shop during Sidmouth Folk Week?
Our Exeter shop is closed during Sidmouth Folk Week, but we operate a temporary stand in Blackmore Gardens, Sidmouth, from August 1st to 7th.
Do you provide free string fitting?
Yes, we offer free fitting for all violin, viola, and cello strings purchased from us to ensure optimal performance.
