Are old violins better than new violins?
This is probably one of the biggest questions luthiers get asked all the time. From listening to thousands of violins and doing sound...
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Unlocking the most beautiful vibrations of the universe, one violin at a time.
Violin repair specialist
Caring for your instrument
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VIOLIN - VIOLA - CELLO
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Set ups, Sound adjustments, Repairs, Restorations
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Sale of selected instruments and bows
Call (+64) 021 0604360
Your violin - your cello
An extension of your body
For a musician, the relationship with their instrument becomes so intimate, that it ends up being an extension of their body and the window for their soul.
Day after day, the musician and the instrument evolve and develop one into the other, growing together, adapting and responding to each other. This relationship might last for decades, and might be the most important relationship of the life of a musician.
For that reason, it is important to keep your instrument in good shape.
How to make sure your violin is in good shape and will continue to evolve healthily with you?
BOOK AN EXPERTISE TO CHECK YOUR VIOLIN OR CELLO
Customized care for your instrument
If you are looking for a place where your instrument will have a special and customized care, you just found the perfect place. As a musician and also a professionally trained violin maker and restorer I understand both the needs of the musician and the mechanics of the instruments, finding the sweet spot of each instrument for your specific need.
I understand all the playing techniques are not the same, all the bows are not the same and all the violins are not the same. There are some standard references in the measurements of the stringed instruments, but depending on the needs of the musician, I can customize some of the works done on your instrument to fit your needs. The final adjustment will be done with you playing your violin or your cello in my workshop to ensure your total satisfaccion.
Book an appointment to let me know your wishes.
You just had an accident with your violin or cello?
NO WORRIES! I'VE GOT YOUR BACK!
Find all the pieces if the violin is broken in few pieces, even the smallest bits, keep them in a safe and protected container and come to le violon rouge nz for a free check and an estimate.
Depending on the accident, it might be safer to loosen the strings immediately after the accident. To find out what to do in your case, call me (+64) 0210604360.
The beauty of the violin family is that generally everything can be fixed.
Some accidents might look very dramatic, but are not necessarily a big deal. For example, a fingerboard coming loose and falling while playing.
Do not try to fix anything by yourself, the violins and cellos are designed to last for many centuries if they are repaired in the right way. The sooner you come after the accident, the easier the repair will be and the instrument will most likely keep all its acoustic qualities and playability.
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What services does Le Violon Rouge NZ offer?Le Violon Rouge NZ offers a range of services for string instruments, specialized in violin, violas and cello repair, restoration, and maintenance. We also provide expert examinations and sell a selection of fine instruments and bows.
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Where is Le Violon Rouge NZ located?We are located at 3/8 Ashwell Street, St Heliers, Auckland 1071, Auckland, New Zealand. We receive customers by appointment only. Please check our website or contact us for booking, directions and parking information.
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What are your store hours?Our store is open to the public only by appointment. Please contact us to arrange a booking, we can adjust our time to your needs.
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Do I need to make an appointment for a repair or consultation?Yes, we receive customers only by appointment.
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Can I try instruments and bows before purchasing?Absolutely! We have a variety of instruments and bows for you to try in our comfortable testing room. Please let us know your preferences and budget in advance, so we can prepare a selection for you.
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How long does a standard violin or cello repair take?Repair times can vary based on the complexity of the work needed. Minor repairs may take a few hours, while more complex restorations may take several weeks or months. We will provide you with a time estimate upon assessing your instrument.
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How often do professional violinists change strings?Professional violinists typically change their strings every 1 to 4 months, but this can vary depending on the amount of playing, the brand of strings used, and the preferences of the musician. Typically the E and A strings need to be changed more often than the D and G strings.
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Can you repair or restore antique violins and cellos?Yes, absolutely. Our experienced luthier specializes in the repair and restoration of antique instruments. We carefully assess each piece and use historically appropriate techniques to preserve the instrument's integrity and value.
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How much does it cost to repair a violin?The cost of repairing a violin can range from a few dollars for minor adjustments to several thousand for extensive restorations. A simple repair might cost around $50 to $100, while more complex structural repairs can be much more.
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What is the cost of a bow rehairing service?At the moment we do not provide bow rehair, but we will offer that service soon, please contact us for more information.
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Do you offer any guarantees on your repair work?Yes, we stand behind the quality of our work and offer a guarantee on repairs. Please ask for details regarding our guarantee policy when you bring your instrument in.
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Can you help with sound adjustment and set-up for my instrument?Absolutely! We offer professional sound adjustments and set-up services to optimize the tone and playability of your instrument.
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Do you sell strings and other accessories?Yes, we sell strings and accessories when included in the services we provide to your instrument.
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How should I prepare my instrument for repair or service?Please contact us before coming to inform us about any specific concerns or issues you've noticed. Each situation is different. You do not need to remove the strings unless instructed to do so.
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Do you offer workshops or educational events for musicians?We occasionally host workshops, master classes, and educational events for string musicians. Keep an eye on our website or sign up for our newsletter for announcements about upcoming events.
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How much does it cost to restring and tune a violin?The restringing of a violin and tuning is free if it is part of a bigger service which includes some work done on your instrument and the cost of the new strings.
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How many years does a violin last?With proper care and maintenance, a violin can last for centuries. Many violins made by famous luthiers, such as Stradivari, are over 300 years old and still played today.
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Can I repair my own violin?We can give you some proper guidance about cleaning and restringing for you to do at home, but any repairs should be left to a professional luthier, as improper repair can cause further damage.
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Are old violins worth fixing?Old violins can be worth fixing, especially if they have historical value, good craftsmanship, or personal significance. It's best to consult a professional to assess the instrument's potential value after repair.
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Is it hard to restring a violin?Restringing a violin is a delicate process, but with patience and practice, many violinists learn to do it themselves. Beginners should seek guidance or professional help to avoid damaging the instrument.
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Can I master violin in 2 years?Mastering the violin is a long-term commitment. While significant progress can be made in two years with dedicated practice, reaching a master level of skill typically takes many years of disciplined study.
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What is considered an old violin?A violin can be considered old if it is over 100 years. Instruments from the 17th and 18th centuries are often classified as antique.
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Do violins increase in value over time?Well-maintained violins made by sought-after makers or with historical significance can increase in value over time, much like fine art.
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Why is it bad to have 4 fine tuners on a violin?Having 4 fine tuners is not necessarily bad, but it can add weight to the tailpiece, potentially affecting the instrument's sound. Professional violins often use just one fine tuner on the E string for minimal interference.
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Can you restring a violin by yourself?Yes, with some knowledge and care, you can restring a violin by yourself. Many violinists learn to do this as part of their regular instrument maintenance. Ask us for advice.
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What do you call a person who repairs violins?A person who repairs violins is called a luthier. Luthiers specialize in stringed instruments, crafting and maintaining violins, violas, cellos, and basses.
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Is playing the violin an expensive hobby?Violin can be an expensive hobby due to the cost of the instrument, bows, strings, lessons, and maintenance. However, we offer affordable instruments for beginners.
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How can you tell if a violin is bad quality?It is not always easy to distinguish a good quality and bad quality violin. In any doubt, it is better to ask for advice. Generally speaking, a bad-quality violin may have poor craftsmanship, wrong proportions and dimensions, a misaligned fingerboard, or rough joints. The violin may be difficult to play, its sound may be tight, dull, nasal, uneven, with poor resonance and harmonics.
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