Reviews of Ballard Violins. (Music Store) in London (London).

Ballard Violins

21 Reviews

21 Comments

Music store

Musical instrument repair shop

47 Lambeth Walk, London SE11 6DU, United Kingdom

Description

Information of Ballard Violins, Music store in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

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Open hours of Ballard Violins

Reviews of Ballard Violins

S. B.

After having a few people notice how low my fingerboard was, I decided to contact Gareth to see what could be done about it. He invited me to his workshop the next day and took a detailed look at what could be done to improve my fiddle. He methodically walked me through all his recommended work and quoted a fair price. I told him I had a rehearsal coming up the following weekend and he made sure to work to my schedule and have it ready on time. The work was wonderful and I feel like I have a new (but familiar) instrument! I keep finding little lovely things about it - for example pizzicato is somehow easier and just sounds amazing. Thanks Gareth!!

C. H.

Gareth has made a huge difference to the sound of my violin. He did the work quickly and carefully- for a very fair price. He explained how much each element would cost and was happy talking through options it's inspiring to meet someone who loves their work so much- and clearly a total expert - I'm sure I'll be a customer for life - you really would have to go a long way to find anyone similar never mind better!

G. W.

Gareth did a wonderful job fixing my rather poorly cello, including a new bridge, soundpost and string fixture. He gave me a fair price and was very efficient. Couldn't recommend him enough!

E. S.

Gareth is an amazing violinmaker and exceptional in repair/restoring Violins, Violas and Cellos. When I came to Ballard Violins regards the issue I was having with my violin, Gareth explained me in detail and patiently what should ideally be repaired so that the my violin was in perfect conditions to contribute for good expressive and technical practice, which is crucial for musical development, music making and performance. All was explained with no additional pressure. I am very grateful for all that was carefully done by Gareth. With no exaggeration, my violin sounds like it never did before. It always had a good sound to my ears and others, but now the violin's beautiful features as more highlighted and present due to all the amazing and unique work done by Gareth. Highly recommended!!! Thank you very much Gareth

M.

Gareth is amazing. I took a cello to him with a bag of fittings and a list of modifications and we discussed what would be best and what would fit in my budget (his prices are quite good). The result is an instrument that plays and sounds better than almost all the other instruments I've played (including several worth six figures). Gareth is super friendly and we had lovely chats. I also learned a few tricks about violin set up from him that I've managed to put to good use. Contact him via email or phone before visiting to arrange an appointment.

C. G.

Went to Ballard violins with a fallen bridge and decided to upgrade. Gareth was so lovely to deal with. Got it fixed ASAP and helped clean up my violin and get it back to singing again. Wouldn’t trust anyone else with my violin. Couldn’t recommend more!

B. P.

I was looking for someone to give my violin a once-over and a friend recommended I contact Gareth. His level of expertise and attention to detail are impressive; he noticed things about how the instrument was configured that nobody else ever had and recommended fixes with absolutely no pressure. He actually made a second new soundpost for it after the first one didn't fit exactly the way he wanted when he checked it the next day. His prices are incredibly reasonable and he is an absolutely lovely person. I recommend this business without hesitation and look forward to returning in the future!

K. G.

I recently went to Gareth regarding some issues with my pegs. I had never been before but he sorted my issues promptly, for a fair price, and also cleaned up my violin in the process and gave it a full 'MOT' which was really helpful. He was so pleasant and friendly, and put no pressure on me to have any extra work done. He also followed COVID-19 guidelines. Would highly recommend him for any problem!

J. A.

I bought a violin from Gareth for my teenage son after he outgrew the junior sizes and needed a full-sized violin. His teachers are really impressed and pleased with his violin and its quality. They feel we have good value for the cost. My son chose it for its particular feel and robust sound and he is quite happy with it. We are not particularly experienced In the area of purchasing violins and I felt in good hands. Gareth is very personable and great at advising on various features and price points. His workshop is impressive and I believe Is the reflection of a caring and meticulous craftsman - he is definitely a master in his trade. My son is not yet an advanced player but we receive great attention, response and professionalism regardless. Recently we had a new bridge installed and some tuning pegs. There was very good dialogue about these decisions, the work was done amazingly well within a very good time frame, and the violin sounds amazing.

J. B.

Gareth did a great job fixing my violin after I rung him with a very last minute request before a gig. He responded immediately and went out of his way to repair my violin for my gig later that evening. He also gave it a good clean on top of that. Definitely recommend!

A. E.

I took my early 19th century violin to Gareth who clearly explained all the work that needed doing. He did not pressurise me in any way to get the work done. I am really glad I left my violin with him to do the work as although the cost was well into 3 figures it was most definitely worth it and my violin sounded wonderful afterwards. He was also able to do the work in a much shorter time frame than a typical shop would be able to. It is obvious Gareth really cares about his work and is highly skilled at what he does. I would certainly recommend him to anyone.

E. M.

Gareth did an incredible job at making my tired old fiddle sing again! His knowledge of what was needed to be fixed, replaced or altered was incredible and the work was done with a huge amount of care and precision. Everything was carefully explained before work was done, and during the work it was great to get picture updates of progress. I would HIGHLY recommend Gareth!

M. T.

Gareth is very knowledgeable, precise and caring in his work. He took time to explain the issues with my violin without any pressure to go ahead, and I'm really glad we did. The result is an instrument that definitely sounds better and is also easier to play. Highly recommended.

G. V.

I was recommended Gareth by a violinist friend - a top recommendation! I am so happy to finally find a luthier I can trust in London. I was in a tight spot with a dislodged sound post right before a tour and Gareth expertly talked me through what he thought was the best course of action to really get the best from my violin. He took a lot of time and trouble to discuss things with me which i really appreciated. His workshop is ace and he is a lovely chap to boot. Everything has settled in beautifully now a month later and my violin is sounding better than ever. I wholeheartedly recommend Ballard Violins! Thank you so much Gareth.

s. p.

Gareth is a thoughtful and professional luthier. I would recommend him. He took the time to explain the work he could do on my cello and never rushed me when I wanted to explain the improvements I wanted. He was also very respectful of my budget, and recommended what would make the best improvements to my cello based on what I was able to spend. He fitted me with a new bridge and sound post. I am an amateur player but was immediately able to notice a stark improvement in tonal quality, responsiveness and projection. Bery pleased Thank you Gareth!!

E. R.

Gareth was amazing - incredibly knowledgeable, insanely helpful and ridiculously nice. Can’t say enough good things. I took a thoroughly knackered violin (with sentimental value) to be repaired and was met with understanding, comprehensive knowledge and an accommodating approach. Lovely little workshop, lovely man and now a lovely violin that plays better than it ever has even when new. 5 stars is not enough.

L.

Absolutely great work- Gareth really breathed life back into my old fiddle, and it now sounds better than ever! He suggested a number of improvements and I ended up getting a new bridge and sound-post fitted, as well as some modifications to the fingerboard. He really knows his stuff and I would recommend him to anyone, whether it's for small fixes or more major work. Thanks again!

A. M.

Friendly and professional service. Fixed a broken neck and returned the violin sounding and looking better than ever before. 100% recommend, lovely guy, will be coming here for all my needs.

S. K.

Very nice, reasonable price for overnight fix and did bridge for free

M. P.

Gareth is very experienced and friendly. Great service. (Its best to call him his opening hours aren't as described on google)

F. A.

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