09/03/2026
And for those who feel drawn to explore Baroque sound more closely, we’ve gathered a small selection of period instruments in the shop — each with its own voice, history, and quiet sense of possibility. These instruments sit at the heart of the world this blog explores — not museum pieces, but living companions for musicians who want to step into the colours and intimacy of Baroque playing.
Helping young musicians begin with confidence, clarity, and a well‑made companion. Choosing a beginner violin, viola, or cello in 2026 can feel overwhelming. The internet is full of starter bundles. Conflicting advice abounds. Instruments may look similar but behave very differently in a child’s hands. For parents, teachers, and young players, the first violin marks the start of a musical journey. At Bridgewood & Neitzert, we see every day how the right beginner instrument can transform a child’s experience. This guide brings together our many years of shop workshop expertise... Read More
Every so often, an instrument arrives that asks for more than routine care. It needs something slower, deeper, and quietly transformative. This month, that instrument has been a violin on Jacob’s bench. As the days pass, it has become the centre of the workshop. It’s moving through a rare and intricate rebuild. Understanding the Problem The violin came to us with a structural weakness in one of its upper bouts. Over time, years of playing had thinned and distorted the wood. Eventually, the damage reached a point where simple reinforcement... Read More
05/06/2026
When choosing a violin, viola, or cello, it’s natural to focus on price. The assumption is simple: the more you invest, the better the instrument will be.But in practice, understanding why setup matters changes everything, and it isn’t always what musicians experience. At Bridgewood & Neitzert, one of the most common conversations we have with players – beginners, advancing students, and professionals alike – begins with the same quiet uncertainty: “My instrument doesn’t feel quite right, but I’m not sure why.” More often than not, the issue isn’t the instrument... Read More
28/05/2026
A practical guide to buying a cello, from size and setup to tone, bows and budget – expert advice for students, parents and serious players. A cello rarely reveals itself in the first thirty seconds. One may sound impressive under the ear yet disappear in a hall. Another may seem restrained at first, then prove beautifully responsive once the player settles into it. Any worthwhile guide to buying a cello should begin there: not with price alone, nor with appearance, but with the relationship between player, instrument and setup. For... Read More
21/11/2024
For this month’s blog I got to meet another of our new luthiers, Jacob, in his workshop on the second floor of Bridgewood and Neitzert. Jacob has been with us for five months sharing the workshop with Keisuke and Tung. Jacob played violin from an early age and was aware that there were people who fixed instruments as a career. Like many of the luthiers here, he was drawn to lutherie through a combined love of music and woodwork. In his 20’s Jacob decided that he wanted to make a... Read More
16/08/2024
We’ve been really pleased to welcome two new luthiers into the Bridgewood and Neitzert workshop recently and will be introducing them in the next couple of months. This month’s blog introduces Keisuke Yokoo who joined us a year ago following a significant career back in his home city of Tokyo. I met him at his bench to hear all about his journey. Despite having no formal music education as a child, Keisuke was drawn to classical music and avidly followed great international classical musicians coming to Japan, particularly international orchestras and... Read More
10/08/2024
Here is a blog from our friends at The London Cello Institute. London Cello Institute: Tailored Adult CelloLessons for Every Skill LevelStarting the cello as an adult is an exhilarating journey! It’s never too late todive in—your life experiences will only enrich your music. The cello’s rich tonesprovide a powerful way to express yourself and connect with others. Every noteyou play adds to your growth, proving that it’s always the right time to start. Why Choose the Cello?1. Enhances CreativityPlaying the cello is a profoundly creative pursuit. As you learn... Read More
03/01/2024
Back in 2019, I met up with luthier Ed Klose and explored his story into lutherie, from his early self-taught efforts into woodworking, thorough to his studies at West Dean college and his early projects at Bridgewood and Neitzert. We heard about his painstaking restoration of a Nathaniel Cross 1731 cello belonging to Guildhall School of Music and Drama which inspired him to build a cello in the same style. 4 years later, I thought it was time to revisit Ed in his bench in the top workshop and find... Read More
19/09/2023
Born in L’Aquila, close to Rome, luthier Massimiliano grew up with a great passion for music and travel, a combination which has led him to his current role as one of the restorers at Bridgewood and Neitzert. I met him at his bench in the top floor workshop to find out more about his journey. Massimiliano first came to London twenty-four years ago for the baptism of his niece and decided to stay. Passionate about Indian music, for 6 years he split his time between London where he worked on... Read More
