Attentive Repairs & Restorations
Backed by the experience and knowledge of our trained luthiers, Payton Violins offers a complete range of instrument and bow repair and restoration services.
Your One-Stop Repair Shop
Payton Violins is a full-service workshop offering repairs and restorations to all violin family instruments and their bows. From minor soundpost adjustments to large scale instrument repairs and restorations, our luthiers are well versed in sound evaluation and string selection and can assist you in achieving your desired sound.
Repairs & Restorations
Our experienced luthiers are highly qualified to carry out any instrument repair and restoration. In addition to basic instrument setup and repair, we are also proficient in removing instrument tops to repair cracks, reset necks, complete interior patches, and more.
It’s not uncommon to see the tops of old instruments sagging under the pressure of the bridge and strings. As part of our restoration services, we make a plaster mold of the top and correct the deformity. Then, by pressing out the top and inserting a breast patch to maintain the original arch and intention of the artist, we are able to restore the original quality of sound and structural integrity of the instrument.
Instrument Maintenance
Instruments will maintain their sound quality and condition with regular instrument maintenance. It is a good idea to have your instrument checked out by one of our luthiers annually to check your instrument’s condition. They will check for any open seams or cracks, and any movement or wear that needs to be addressed or monitored.
A good clean and polish done by our expert luthiers will also keep your instrument from being damaged by dirt and rosin build-up.
String maintenance
Strings should be changed regularly. String life depends both on how much an instrument is being played as well as the type of string. A good rule of thumb is to put on new strings annually, more often for a professional or conservatory player, less often for a beginning player. Our luthiers can recommend strings for your instrument depending on the sound qualities you are looking for, as well as professionally install your new strings. Payton Violins offers a full range of string options at competitive prices.
Caring for your instrument
Taking care of your instrument at home will also ensure your instrument’s longevity and reduce the likelihood of repairs. A good case humidifier such as the Oasis or Boveda will help prevent wood shrinkage that can result in pegs slipping or the opening of seams or cracks.
Additionally, using a polish cloth to wipe rosin, dust, or dirt off your instrument will help preserve the varnish and will prevent rosin build-up on the strings that could negatively affect your sound quality.
Bow Repair & Rehair
Bows need regular care and maintenance, including re-hairing. A quality bow will need a rehair annually; professional and serious players will need it done more frequently.
Bow rehairs
Payton Violins offers highly professional bow rehair services. We exclusively use premium Mongolian unbleached hair which makes a significant difference in the player experience and sound quality. We carefully control the hair volume to protect the fine internal comments of your bow.
Bow rehairs can typically be completed over 24 hours or one business day. Need a loaner? We will be happy to loan you a bow so you can keep practicing and playing while your rehair or bow repair is being completed. For long distance customers, we can provide shipping one or both ways.
Bow repairs
In addition to re-hairing, we also offer regular maintenance and bow repairs such as replacing thumb leathers and windings and replacing bow tips. When required, we perform more significant repairs such as replacing slides and buttons or splining a bow that has suffered a significant crack or break.
Not sure what your bow needs? Contact us to schedule an appointment for us to inspect your bow or contact us by phone so we can answer any questions.
Caring for your bow
Maintain the longevity of your bow at home and extend the life of the bow hair by loosening the bow hair every time you store it in your case. The length of your bow hair can be significantly impacted by heat and humidity. Keeping your bow in a humidity-controlled environment by using a case humidifier such as the Oasis or humidifier/dehumidifier will also help minimize changes to the length of the hair and any impact on bow tension. Avoid touching the bow hair itself, as your fingers leave dirt and oil that can create problems with rosin adherence.
Bringing an 18th Century Mittenwald Cello Back to Life
When asked about his most memorable restoration pieces, it doesn’t take Ken Sullivan long to recall a special 8 months in Arizona with a Mittenwald Klotz School Cello. Maybe it was a ¾ size, perhaps a ⅞, but it wasn’t the dimensions of the instrument that made it noteworthy.
This Mittenwald was a relic from the 18th century and a family heirloom that had been with the owners for generations. Over the years, various aspects of the cello had fallen into disarray, and the owners were hoping to bring new life to the antique instrument.
Over the past few years I have entrusted the care of my 1722 Stradivarius to Sam Payton. Sam is a fine craftsman with great skill, a keen ear, and a calm and patient demeanor.
For tonal adjustments Sam has a responsive touch which enables him to arrive at the sound I want with great efficiency; for repair work he has gone above and beyond so that my violin always sounds its absolute best.
I couldn’t be happier and more grateful to Sam for his great care!
— Jennifer Frautschi
Over the past few years I have entrusted the care of my 1722 Stradivarius to Sam Payton. Sam is a fine craftsman with great skill, a keen ear, and a calm and patient demeanor.
For tonal adjustments Sam has a responsive touch which enables him to arrive at the sound I want with great efficiency; for repair work he has gone above and beyond so that my violin always sounds its absolute best.
I couldn’t be happier and more grateful to Sam for his great care!
— Jennifer Frautschi
Not Sure What Repairs or Restorations are Needed?
Set up an appointment to have your instrument evaluated. We will review with you what repairs are required/recommended and will provide you with a free estimate.