Andrea Dürr violin maker

I offer a selection of old and new instruments, as well as bows, from various origins and price ranges. Comparing instruments and bows directly often helps in making the best judgement.

In my workshop, I carry out repairs and restorations for violins, violas and cellos. Each instrument is treated with great care and attention to detail to ensure perfect sound quality and playability.

Ideal for beginners and students, I offer rental instruments in a range of sizes. All rentals come with a bow, case, rosin, and, if necessary, a shoulder rest. Options for hire-purchase and insurance cover are also available. Additionally, I provide free maintenance for rental instruments.

Whether it’s regular care for your violin or the refurbishment of an old family cello, periodic attention to your instrument and bow is worthwhile and helps preserve their value. To keep your instrument and bow in optimal condition, I recommend regular check-ups.

What is the relationship between the soundpost and the bridge? How does the bow interact with the instrument? What is the string height? Often, small adjustments can lead to significant improvements in sound. I am happy to explore potential solutions and collaborate with you to optimise the sound of your instrument.

Do you need a quick rehair for your bow? Is the bow hair no longer tensioning properly? Is the bow screw thread no longer working? I offer reliable services for bows of all string instruments (violin, viola, cello, and double bass) for both modern and baroque playing styles.

A professional bow rehair is essential for consistent sound quality—therefore, I exclusively use high-quality Siberian and Mongolian horsehair. I also replace head plates and thumb leather as needed.

Over 30 years ago—in 1993—I began my training as a violin maker at the Newark School of Violin Making in the United Kingdom. After completing my training, I spent several years working in workshops in the UK, in Montreal, Canada, as well as in Boston and Portland, Oregon. My work included repairing and restoring string instruments and bows, as well as making new instruments.

Since 2001, I have lived and worked in Berlin. In my new workshop on Großgörschenstraße in Berlin-Schöneberg, I continue to repair and restore violins, violas, cellos, and their bows. I can advise you in German, Italian, English, or French.

I play the violin myself. A love for string quartets keeps me in regular contact with the entire family of string instruments.

The construction of a violin, viola, or cello varies from one instrument to another and often provides insight into the time and place of its creation. Historical context is as important as achieving the perfect interplay of various components: the structural dynamics, combined with the positioning of the bridge, soundpost, and fingerboard—and consequently the string tension—significantly influence the sound of an instrument.

In my workshop, I regularly offer sessions where I provide practical tips: What requirements must a bow meet to harmonise well with the instrument? How is a bow rehaired? What types of wood are used in the making of a violin?

Feel free to inquire about dates and topics—bows and instruments are welcome to be brought along!

Contact me to arrange a repair, explore rental options, or ask any questions about the other services I offer.