Atelier Workshop
Repairs & Bow Rehairing
Expert care for violins, violas, cellos, basses, and bows — wherever your instrument came from.
Our luthiers repair and restore string instruments in our own workshop, and we care for bows of every level. We repair instruments for most of the schools throughout Fairfield and Westchester Counties, and wherever your instrument was purchased, we're happy to maintain it, repair it, or set it up. Bring in a student violin, a family cello, or a fine old bow. You'll get an honest evaluation and our recommendation before any work begins.
Cos Cob: 203.661.9500 · Norwalk: 475.317.1275
Or email atelierstringshop@gmail.com
Walk-ins welcome
How a Repair Works
1. Bring it in
Walk-ins are welcome at either shop during open hours. Both locations have luthiers on staff. Bring the bow and case too. Problems sometimes start there.
2. Evaluation
A luthier will examine the instrument with you and explain what it needs, what's urgent, and what can wait.
3. Timing
We'll give you an expected completion date and let you know whether any parts need ordering.
4. You decide
We never begin work without your approval. If you'd rather not go ahead, take the instrument home. No pressure.
5. Repair and pickup
We'll contact you when the work is finished. Before you leave, we'll check the setup and playability with you.
What We Repair
Instruments
- Bridges
- Soundpost replacement and high-level tonal adjustments
- Cracks
- Open seams
- Neck resets
- Saddles and nuts
- Pegs
- Adjustable bass bridges
- Fingerboard planing
- Varnish touch-up
- Edge replacement
- String replacement
- Bass bar replacement
- Buttons
- Chinrests
- Endpins
- Tailwires
- Pickup installation
- Cleaning
- French polish
Bows
- Rehairing
- Rewrapping and grips
- Tips
- Cleaning and French polish
- Restoration
Why Atelier
Done in our workshop
Every instrument repair and restoration is done in our own workshop by our own staff. No instrument work is sent out to subcontractors. You're welcome to watch us work on your instrument.
Strings only
We work only on violins, violas, cellos, basses, and their bows.
An honest opinion
Some repairs cost more than the instrument is worth. If that's true of yours, we'll tell you and help you weigh repairing, trading up, or renting.
Our luthiers
More than 40 years of combined experience
Our luthiers bring that experience to every repair. They've worked on important and historic instruments as well as student instruments. They set up instruments for professional players, schools, colleges, teachers, and students. Your instrument gets the same care, whatever its value.
Common Questions
Yes. Wherever your instrument was purchased, we're happy to maintain it, repair it, or set it up. We repair instruments for most of the schools throughout Fairfield and Westchester Counties.
No. We'll explain what your instrument needs, and work begins only after you approve it.
Typical turnaround is 2–5 days, depending on the work needed and our current workload. We'll give you an expected completion date when you bring your instrument in.
Most players need a rehair every 6–12 months, depending on how much they play. Signs include lost grip, broken hairs on one side, or a stick that won't tighten properly.
We'll give you an honest answer. If the repair costs more than the instrument is worth, we'll explain your options.
Yes. You can leave repairs at Cos Cob or Norwalk, and both shops have luthiers on staff.
Arrange a Repair Evaluation
Walk-ins are welcome. Call or stop by whichever shop is most convenient. Both have luthiers on staff. Or email atelierstringshop@gmail.com
Atelier in Cos Cob (Greenwich)
403 East Putnam Avenue, Cos Cob, CT 06807
Monday–Friday 10–6 · Saturday 10–2 · Closed Sunday
Atelier in Norwalk
20 Fitch Street, Norwalk, CT 06855
Monday–Friday 10–5 · Closed weekends
Need an instrument while yours is in the shop?
Ask about short-term rentals.
