Handmade Violins, Violas & Cellos

Making, repair and restoration from my workshop in Somerset

I am a maker of  ViolinsViolas and Cellos and repair them too my workshop in Shipham near Bristol, Weston Super Mare and Wells. My professional-level instruments are handmade from carefully selected, seasoned timber, using traditional violin-making methods and drawing inspiration from the great Italian makers, including Amati, Guarneri, Rogeri and Stradivari.

I welcome musicians looking to commission a new violin, viola or cello, as well as those looking for an instrument that is already available. If I don’t have something suitable in stock, I’m always happy to discuss your requirements and the possibility of making an instrument specifically for you.

Violin, Viola & Cello Repairs

Instruments need care throughout their lives. From routine adjustments and maintenance to more involved repairs and restoration, I work on violins, violas and cellos in my workshop in Shipham, Somerset.

With nearly 30 years of experience repairing stringed instruments, I take a careful and considered approach to every job. I’ll examine your instrument, explain what I believe needs doing and provide an estimate before any work is undertaken.

Whether your instrument needs a new bridge or soundpost, fingerboard work, crack repair, peg work or more extensive restoration, I’m happy to discuss what is required.

Bow Rehairing, Repairs & Sales

A good bow is an important part of a player’s equipment, and regular rehairing helps keep it performing properly. I rehair violin, viola and cello bows in my workshop, as well as carrying out repairs and adjustments where needed.

I also buy and sell bows, with a selection available for players at different levels.

Edward Gaut Violins place picture
5.0
Based on 57 reviews
Raymond Yu profile picture
Raymond Yu
1 month ago
catherine mowat profile picture
catherine mowat
4 months ago
Edward put a new bridge on my violin, levelled out the finger board and cleaned it. It's now sounding much more resonant, much better than before. He also rehaired by bow. And quick service - all in around 3 days. Happy customer!
Charlie Groves profile picture
Charlie Groves
7 months ago
Ed did a fantastic job on my dropped violin that had 3 major cracks . He is a doer not a talker . His job is invisible and flawless . What more can I say .
Karen Cornick profile picture
Karen Cornick
10 months ago
Edward rehaired and repaired two cello bows for me - so lovely to be using these now. Excellent service - highly recommended.
Edward recently replaced the bridge and tailpiece, adjusted a peg and revarnished my son's violin. The difference is AMAZING! The sound is wonderful and it looks beautiful! A real transformation. We can't recommend Edward highly enough.
Dilys McLachlan profile picture
Dilys McLachlan
3 years ago
Edward did some really good work on my daughter`s cello and it now sounds like a different instrument
John Matthias profile picture
John Matthias
3 years ago
Edward did a great and very thorough job on my violin -it sounds really gorgeous on return!
Carl Hill profile picture
Carl Hill
3 years ago
I've been going to Edward for the past few years for bow rehairs and repairs, and he always provides an excellent service. Highly recommended!
Paul Knight profile picture
Paul Knight
3 years ago
Speedy and professional service.
Jess Feaver profile picture
Jess Feaver
3 years ago
Edward has just fitted a new bridge and sound post on my cello. I am delighted with the results. It is sounding much more resonant and better than it ever has done. Along with a very good rehair, I am very pleased.
If anyone is on the look out for a new instrument, I would highly recommend Edward's cello which I took the opportunity to play in his workshop. It has a full and mellow tone and plays very evenly. It is an excellent instrument.
Chris Horner profile picture
Chris Horner
3 years ago
Edward has rehaired my bow a number of times and always does a skilled and dependable job. It's very unusual for a single hair to come off in playing. I tried one of his violins today and it sounds very well ; easy to play, even sound across the strings, good overtones in chords, not nasal or strident on the E, plenty of warmth on the A and D and a vibrant bass on the G. Shouldn't stay in the workshop for long!
Miriam Wakeling profile picture
Miriam Wakeling
3 years ago
Edward Re-haired my Cello bow for me. Excellent job, and speedy, in the same day. I'd highly recommend Edward, who has also done work on my bow previously.
Tabitha Selley profile picture
Tabitha Selley
4 years ago
Edward provides a fast but high quality rehair, and I always return to him because it is such a fantastic service! I played one of his cellos, which had a warm but bright resonance and was well balanced- I would recommend his instruments to any professional player/music student. It is always great to see his workshop space and see what he is working on!
Emily Melzer profile picture
Emily Melzer
4 years ago
I brought my family violin to Edward which was in need of a lot of repair. I was hesitant to bring it to a luthier for years but when I read all the lovely reviews and heard great things about Edward from my colleagues I felt that he would do a brilliant job, and now I am blown away with what he has managed to do with the instrument. The sound is so full and the tone is beautifully centred - any imperfections and cracks have been masterfully fixed and I am so happy with the outcome. Would highly recommend!

A testimonial from Ryan Yeap

Went to Edward for a rehair for my viola bow, the craftsmanship is really good for the rehair, it made a difference in the sound. He let me tried one of his instrument, which has a very warm and lovely tone. He did a tonal adjustment on my viola as well, I’m so happy with the sound my viola is making now. I Would definitely recommend Edward!

Bow rehair, Sound adjustment and trying new instruments.