After several months of back-to-back jobs for customers, it’s good to have a few days to get on with new instrument making. I began this violin back in the summer, but the original scroll that I carved for it ended up too Amati-inspired for this particular instrument, so this week I’ve been making a new neck and fitting it. However I think I might be able to salvage the old scroll too, which could be a nice excuse to start another violin!
Mini refurbishment on this cello last week. It needed a new soundpost, bridge adjustment, some varnish touch-ups, a new tailpiece wire to allow after-length adjustment and a corner replacement. There was also a mysterious intermittent buzz which turned out to be the result of an loose seam.
This bass was dropped but thankfully the only damage it suffered was the fingerboard falling off. Theoretically a simple job to glue back on, although I took a bit of extra time to tidy up the gluing surfaces, as it had clearly not been very well fitted in the first place, probably explaining why it parted company with the instrument so easily.
This modern Belgian cello has been in a few times over the last couple of years and it’s always interesting to work with the owner and experiment with various parameters. Today we looked at a few bridge and stringing options.
Just over two years ago, in late August 2020, I moved into my current workshop. Making contacts and networking can be a difficult at the best of times and, with the majority of music events and performances completely halted at that point, I did honestly wonder if and how I’d actually find any clients.
But, find them I did – or rather they found me! I will always be so grateful for those first few players who were willing to put their trust in a new luthier. And, slowly but surely, Parmakis Instruments has been growing ever since.
I’ve had customers come to me on the basis of recommendations from multiple people who I’ve never even met, and they in turn must have heard positive things from even further afield. So a huge thank you to every who has been spreading the word.
If you’ve not already liked and shared my page or website http://parmakis-instruments.co.uk then that is always very much appreciated 
This mandolin came in for some general TLC. The pickup system had come loose and was rattling, and there was also some serious wear to the top of the instrument which needed filling. Plus the expected fret wear which necessitated a level and re-crown. After that the setup was fairly standard fare; truss rod, string heights and bridge position.
This nice little 7/8 size cello was knocked off its stand (thankfully onto a carpet) and the fingerboard fell off. Although this probably looked very dramatic, it’s actually one of the least serious types of damage that can occur from a fall, and usually quite easy to put right.
Cello in for a new bridge and soundpost and some saddle adjustments to try and optimise the tone. It will be interesting to hear how it settles.
Putting the finishing touches on this repair job. The violin had two big cracks in the front, so it needed to be taken apart, glued and then reinforced. It’s always a relief to get the instrument back in one piece after a major job like this, but of course there’s always a bit of retouch and setup adjustment needed too.
Delighted to announce that my 2021 G. B. Guadagnini model cello has found a wonderful new home 
(If you’re interested in this model, I do currently have one from 2020 available for trial – contact for more details.)