About Us
Our Story: Crafting Excellence Since 1982
Bridgewood & Neitzert was not born in a corporate office, it was built at the luthier’s workbench out of a shared passion for stringed instruments and historic craftsmanship.
Our story began in the late 1970s at the London College of Furniture on Henriques Street in East London. It was there that Gary Bridgewood, who had spent his youth making instrument prototypes in his father’s garden shed, met Tom Neitzert, a dedicated craftsman with a deep fascination for lutes and historic stringed instruments. Studying under master luthiers including Roger Rose, William Luff, Stephen Barber, and Ian Harwood, Gary and Tom developed a shared philosophy: an uncompromising respect for traditional techniques, acoustic precision, and historical preservation.
Bringing the Workshop Together
In 1982, Gary and Tom, alongside fellow makers Robert Louis Baille and Craig Ryder, joined forces to establish their first shared workshop in Dalston above a betting shop near Crossways. Shortly after the departure of Robert and Craig who went to Paris, they expanded into a vibrant warehouse space on Northwold Road in Hackney.
In those early days, word of mouth spread fast across the music world. Professional orchestral players, students, and buskers alike would navigate through busy East End garment factories to reach the small partitioned counter where Gary and Tom worked. While the workshop initially focused on crafting 12 to 15 new instruments a year, musicians continuously brought in instruments for delicate repairs. Recognising the growing demand for expert care, Gary and Tom shifted their focus toward restoration, baroque conversions, and tonal fine-tuning, where they knew they could make the greatest impact on a musician’s sound.
By 1991, seeking a permanent home, Gary and Tom purchased the commercial premises at 146 Stoke Newington Church Street—a building with a long history of housing various local businesses that had eventually fallen into disrepair, long before Church Street became the thriving hub it is today. Hand-building the workbenches and restoring the building floor by floor, they converted the former commercial space into a world-renowned atelier that now spans two floors of state-of-the-art repair workshops.
Unparalleled Expertise in String Instrument Care
At Bridgewood and Neitzert, we pride ourselves on being the premier destination for violin, viola, cello, and bow repair and restoration. Our commitment to excellence sets us apart in the world of string instrument care.
Cutting Edge Techniques
We stay at the forefront of instrument restoration by:
Employing state-of-the-art methods, utilizing advanced technology, continuously updating our skills and knowledge
Comprehensive Services
Our expert team offers:
Meticulous repairs for all skill levels, careful restorations that preserve instrument integrity, detailed consultations to address your specific needs
Transparent Process
We believe in keeping you informed every step of the way:
Provide comprehensive cost estimates, offer clear timelines for completion, and explain all procedures in easy-to-understand terms.
Why Choose Us?
Highly skilled luthiers with years of experience, personalized attention to each instrument, and commitment to preserving the art of string instruments.
Our Promise
When you entrust your cherished instrument to us, you're guaranteed:
Uncompromising quality in every repair and restoration, respect for the instrument's history and value, enhanced performance and longevity of your instrument
Don't settle for anything less than the best for your string instruments. Choose Bridgewood and Neitzert for expert care that will keep your violin, viola, cello, or bow in prime condition for years to come.
Crafting Excellence in String Instruments
At Bridgewood and Neitzert, we offer a curated selection of professionally set-up string instruments, bows, and accessories. Our team of expert makers, restorers, and players ensures each item meets our exacting standards. We stand behind our products with a 30-day guarantee, providing you with confidence in your purchase.
Tailored to Your Needs
We understand that every musician is unique. That's why we offer custom adjustments to our violins, violas, and cellos, from bridge height modifications to chinrest selections, ensuring your instrument perfectly suits your playing style.
Quality Assurance
All our instruments come fitted with carefully chosen new strings, optimized for each specific instrument. Our commitment to quality extends from our two-floor repair workshop to our worldwide reputation for excellence in restoration and sales.
Expert Guidance
While our website provides comprehensive product information, we're always here to assist you further. For specific inquiries or additional details, please contact us:
Phone: 020 7249 9398
With nearly four decades of experience, Bridgewood and Neitzert continue to be a trusted name in string instrument sales, repairs, and expertise.
Buying from Bridgewood and Neitzert.
At Bridgewood and Neitzert, we pride ourselves on offering an unparalleled selection of high-quality instruments for musicians of all levels. Our expertly crafted and meticulously set-up violins, violas, and cellos cater to everyone from beginners to virtuoso's. We also boast an impressive array of bows, carefully chosen for their exceptional quality and performance.
Our knowledgeable staff are always ready to assist you in finding the perfect instrument or bow that suits both your needs and budget. To ensure you make the best choice, we offer a unique 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to shop with confidence. If the instrument doesn't meet your expectations, you can return it for a full refund, provided it's in the same condition as when dispatched.
We understand the importance of trying an instrument in various settings. That's why we offer an "On Approval" option for all our instruments and bows, from student to professional level. This allows you to test the instrument or bow at home, consult with your teacher, play in concerts, or seek second opinions which we recommend.
To take advantage of this service, we simply require two forms of identification.
Before visiting our store, we recommend considering your budget. This helps us guide you towards the most suitable options, ensuring you leave with an instrument that not only meets your needs but also represents excellent value for money.
At Bridgewood and Neitzert, we're committed to making your instrument purchase a rewarding experience, combining our expertise with your personal judgment to find the perfect match for your musical journey
Something to Sell?
At Bridgewood & Neitzert, we offer a professional commission-based selling service for your violins, violas, and cellos. Our expert team provides:
Thorough appraisal and valuation
Fair and competitive pricing
Assistance with instrument history and documentation
To get started:
Email us with photos of your instrument
We'll assess its suitability and provide commission details
Upon acceptance, we'll require physical inspection and ownership evidence
Flexible Part-Exchange Program
Upgrade your instrument with ease:
Exchange any instrument or bow purchased from us
Perfect for growing children needing larger sizes
Ideal for musicians looking to upgrade
Our customer-focused approach ensures you always have the right instrument for your needs.
Returns and Customer Satisfaction
We provide a unique 30-day money-back guarantee on all instrument and bow purchases. This allows you to evaluate the instrument in the comfort of your home, consult with your teacher, or seek second opinions. If you're not satisfied, you can return the item for a full refund of the purchase price, provided it's in the same condition as when dispatched.
For other items, we accept returns within 14 days of purchase, as long as the product is in new condition. We take pride in the quality of our products and expect them to be returned in the same state.
Expert Assistance
Our team of skilled musicians is dedicated to providing top-notch assistance:
Advice on instrument care and maintenance, guidance on accessories, support via phone, email, or in-person, timely and professional service
Valuation and Appraisal Services
We offer comprehensive valuation and appraisal services for various purposes:
Insurance, Sale, Probate
Authenticity and provenance assessment
Investment advice
As agents for Allianz Musical Insurance, Lark, and New Moon Insurance, we ensure you have access to the best coverage options.
Specialist Strings
Bridgewood and Neitzert is the main stockist for a wide variety of specialist strings, including:
Baroco, Toro, Dlugolecki, Kurschner, Aquila, CHD, Savarez, Pyramid. Pirastro
We provide expert advice on string selection for different musical periods and can help calculate string gauges for optimal performance.
