Vintage Instruments Restorers - Do you know of any?

[Chiliwailer]

Hi all,

I have a Martin Parlour guitar from around 1870. Both the guitar and original case need some restoration work, to repair cracks and reset the neck. The plan is to get it costed up once my Old Smoothie Stingray sells. I’ve had this guitar for 11 years and it’s time to give it some extra love. 

It’s previously been tinkered with to set it up with steel strings, tut tut.... I currently have it strung with nylons, which are tuned a half step down to help ease some tension, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. I’d like to stick with nylon strings, and get them back to concert pitch. And in giving it the respect it deserves,  I’d like to chance taking off the full size replacement bridge, and if there’s nothing nasty underneath have an original smaller pyramid style bridge made. 

Does anyone know any vintage instrument restoration experts around London to do this work?

Cheers.

Daniel 

 

Edited December 1, 2018 by Chiliwailer

[bcbass]

Montys guitars in Acton are really good.

 

https://www.montysguitars.com/

[Chiliwailer]

Thanks @bcbass

So far for acoustics specialists I have:

- Dave King

- Luthiers Corner

EDIT - (Vintage acoustic specialists would be most appreciated).

Edited December 1, 2018 by Chiliwailer

[NJE]

Joseph Kaye might be worth contacting https://www.josephkayeguitars.com/

His instagram account has lots of pictures of restorations including some old acoustics.

Edited December 1, 2018 by NJE

[Chiliwailer]

5 minutes ago, NJE said:

Joseph Kaye might be worth contacting https://www.josephkayeguitars.com/

 Cheers pal. I knew Jo years back from work, and I’ve seen what he does to guitars 😳

Just kidding, as I remember the first relic he did, and that’s his thing  

Vintage acoustic specialists definitely preferred. 

Edited December 1, 2018 by Chiliwailer

[pete.young]

I think it might be worth you having a chat with Graham Parker - he has done some work for friends of mine, and the results have always surpassed expectations.

https://grahamparkerluthier.com

I know a man who might know some more options, so feelers have been put out and I'll report back when I hear from him.

[pete.young]

Oh, and forgot to add, the guy who does the repairs for Hobgoblin in Rathbone Place is really really good, and he's definitely an acoustic specialist.

[Chiliwailer]

Cheers @pete.young much appreciated. 

[Shaggy]

I'd check out (Google) the violin restorers around your way too - bound to be a few.  They'd be used to doing highly skilled work on acoustic instruments, and repairs using antique tonewoods / finishes (I'd assume the Martin would either be oil varnished or French polished)

[pete.young]

No problem. It will be nice to see a lovely instrument returned to its former glory. Someone else for you to try: Michael Cameron at John Alvey Turner - 07581 425731. 

[Chiliwailer]

57 minutes ago, pete.young said:

No problem. It will be nice to see a lovely instrument returned to its former glory. Someone else for you to try: Michael Cameron at John Alvey Turner - 07581 425731. 

Nice tip, I like the look of Micheal too. Cheers 

[thebigyin]

John Le Voi in Alford....master Luthier