Hello. My name is Judith and I am a professional violin repairer and restorer with over 30 years unrivalled experience. I work on violins, violas and cellos from many different makers ranging from old Italian to today’s modern instruments. I am based in Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland, but operate across the UK and beyond. My clients include professional and semi-professional orchestral players, enthusiastic amateurs and newcomers setting out on their musical journeys.
Prior to becoming an independent repairer and restorer, I was workshop manager for the world-renowned violin restorers and dealers, J.P.Guivier & Co. Ltd of London. Here I honed and developed my restoration, repairing and tonal adjustment skills. I also visited other shops and spent time with restorers from Withers and Beares, discussing techniques and sharing ideas. Now you can access my knowledge and expertise when we work together. Explore this website to find out how I can help you, whether you are looking to purchase another instrument or just wish to have a little more life put back into yours.
Contact me:
judith@judithblackwellviolins.com or contact me by tel. 01289 304383 or mobile 07770 846148
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Incredibly sensitive to my needs.
“Judith did an exceptional job on my 1888 Collin-Mezin cello. I can’t remember it ever sounding as good as it did after her restoration! Judith was a delight to work with. She listened compassionately to my concerns with the instrument and was incredibly sensitive to my needs. I was delighted that she finished the work two weeks ahead of schedule, which enabled me to use my cello for international performances. I would highly recommend Judith- she is a restorer of the highest quality and I feel so grateful that she was able to work on my instrument.”
Just days after collecting Katie messaged……”I just wanted to let you know the cello is sounding absolutely incredible! And everyone is commenting on it! I did a session online a few days ago and my colleague could not believe how resonant the cello sound was. I am so over the moon happy!!”
Katie Tertell
Professional Cellist
Still can’t get over this violin!
I’m still completely shocked at its beautiful tone now, and it feels so lovely to play. Never in a million years did I think it would ever sound like it does now – I liked it before, but now….I just have no words. I just wish I’d known you years ago!
Katherine Baxter
Berwick
I couldn’t be happier with the work Judith has done on both instruments.
“I couldn’t be happier with the work Judith has done on both instruments. One of them was made by my Great Great Grandfather, and my 10 year old daughter is about to start learning on it. It had always had what I now know to be cigarette burns on it, and they’re now gone – I didn’t even know getting rid of them was possible! It had quite a bit of other work done, and Judith also provided a new bow and shoulder rest. It’s lovely to have it back in working order.
The other one, I have used for the past 30 years, and I had absolutely no idea that it could sound like it now does – it sounds absolutely amazing, and has a much more powerful and warm sound than ever before.”
Katherine Baxter
Berwick
Instantly noticed problems … and suggested what should be done
“She repaired a full size violin and a ⅛ cello for me which had travelled from Tokyo to Berwick. The violin is old and had been repaired many times, including in Japan. She instantly noticed problems and after a careful consultation she suggested what should be done. When the violin was repaired it sounded amazingly good. The ⅛ cello was not severely damaged but needed to be repaired a little and it was really nicely done.”
Kuniko Tuda
Berwick
Really went out of her way to help us
“We are very grateful to Judith both for finding for us the perfect instrument for our daughter and for helping to improve my son’s violin. She had listened so carefully to what we were trying to achieve and really went out of her way to help us and to fit in some very subtle but hugely effective adjustments to my son’s instrument. Although we live a long way from Judith, we will certainly return to her to help us with some further work to touch up other areas of the varnish on my son’s violin. BRAVO!”
Jane Finlayson-Brown
Cambridge
I will always be grateful for Judith’s care and attention
“A wonderful job, sensitively returning the cello to its former glory despite the damage being worse than originally imagined. She then provided valuable advice for its insurance and after care. I will always be grateful for Judith’s care and attention in returning my precious cello to me.”
Sian Scaife
Cellist, Newcastle upon Tyne
Huge bonus to know that my violin will remain in first class condition
“Judith Blackwell has restored my violin to perfection. Judith provided expert advice and guidance for set-up and string choice and I am delighted with the transformative results. It is a huge bonus to know that my violin will remain in first class condition through regular visits to such a distinguished and sympathetic Luthier.”
Helen Mason
Violinist, Kensington, London
Feel very lucky to have someone of Judith’s skill and expertise
“Judith repaired my grandfather’s violin which dates from the end of the 19th century … quite an emotional moment when we saw it again as we could hardly believe how good it looked and sounded. We feel very lucky to have someone of Judith’s skill and expertise repair what is, once again, a treasured family heirloom.”
Nan MacFarlane
journalist and violinist, Scottish Borders
Judith provides a unique service tailored to the individual
“Judith provides a unique service tailored to the individual customers’ requirements, regardless of whether you’re a student or a professional. I have known Judith for a long time and I know that whenever I have the smallest problem, she will always be on the end of the phone or make time to see me no matter how busy she is. This commitment and flexibility towards her customers has been critical for me as a player, I often have only small windows of time that I can be without my violin, and Judith will always accommodate this.”
Ross Hume
Guildhall Conservatoire, London
Work is of the highest quality
“I am now a retired professional violinist living in Northumberland after spending almost 30 years as a member of the Royal Opera House Orchestra, Covent Garden, London and other major Symphony Orchestras. My violin is very special to me. I am more than delighted with the excellent work carried out by Judith. A problem I had for so long was addressed very quickly, and the work done is of the highest quality. I do not hesitate in recommending any work carried out by Judith.”
Alan Edwards
Retired Professional Violinist, London & Northumberland