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How to Choose a Beginner Instrument in 2026

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

Jacob’s Rare Violin Rebuild in the Workshop

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

03/01/2024

A day in the life of luthier Ed Klose

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

The Incredible Journey: Luthier Massimiliano Muti describes his journey into lutherie

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