The Bench
Bring It In. Let's See What It Needs.
A cracked top, an open seam, a peg that won't hold, a buzz nobody can find. Philip has been repairing string instruments since 1975 and he does the work himself, at his own bench, one instrument at a time. He'll tell you what's actually wrong, what it takes to fix it, and what it's worth doing.
What This Covers
Violin, Viola, Cello & Bass Repair
Crack and seam repair on violins, violas, cellos and double basses
Peg fitting and replacement, nut and saddle work, fingerboard planing and replacement
Bridge cutting and fitting, sound post fitting and adjustment, bass bar work
Neck resets, button repairs, and structural work on older instruments
Restoration of family and estate instruments — fiddles that have been in a closet for forty years
Buzzes, wolf tones and rattles tracked down and eliminated
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
My violin has a crack. Is it ruined?
Almost certainly not. Cracks are routine work in a violin shop — most are cleaned, glued and cleated and the instrument goes back to playing normally. What matters is getting it looked at before the crack extends or dirt works into it. Bring it in and Philip will show you what he's looking at.
How long does a repair take?
It depends entirely on the instrument and the work. A string change or a simple adjustment can happen while you wait. Crack repair, a neck reset or a restoration takes longer because glue and varnish need time. Philip is the only person working the bench, so he'll give you a realistic timeline when he sees the instrument — and he'd rather quote you honestly than rush it.
Do you work on cellos and double basses too?
Yes — violins, violas, cellos and basses. Philip has worked on all four for decades. Basses are physically awkward in a small shop, so call ahead before bringing one in so he can make room for it.
Is it worth repairing an old instrument that isn't valuable?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no, and Philip will tell you which. He's restored plenty of grandfathers' fiddles that had no resale value at all and were worth every penny to the family. He'll also tell you plainly when a repair costs more than the instrument is worth and you'd be better off putting the money toward a different one.
Do I need an appointment?
No appointment is needed. Because Philip runs the shop alone, calling ahead at (713) 729-2231 is the surest way to know he's at the bench when you arrive.
Also at the Shop
Other Ways Philip Can Help
Setup, Sound Post & Bridge Fitting
Sound post fitting, bridge cutting, string changes and full setup in Houston. The adjustments that decide how your instrument actually plays. (713) 729-2231.
Learn moreAppraisals & Insurance Valuations
Violin, viola, cello and bow appraisals in Houston for insurance and estate purposes, from a luthier with fifty years of instruments through his hands. (713) 729-2231.
Learn moreStudent & School Instrument Service
Houston teachers have sent their students to Gold Violin Shop since 1975. Student instrument repair, sizing, setup and school orchestra service. (713) 729-2231.
Learn moreHandmade Bows & Bow Repair
Bows made by hand from pernambuco by a Houston bow maker since 1975, plus expert bow repair and a large selection of bows for every budget. (713) 729-2231.
Learn moreGet Started
Something Wrong With Your Instrument?
Call first so you know Philip is at the bench, then bring it by. He'll look at it with you.