Dlugolecki Viola Strings

Dlugolecki Viola Strings

Damian Dlugolecki enjoys an international reputation as a designer and craftsman of the highest quality gut strings for renaissance, baroque, classical and modern performance. His innovative designs are based on historical practices and methods and are sought after by many prominent artists. Included in his String Catalogue is a complete selection of gut strings for the violin, viola, cello and for the viola da gamba.  Also available are custom made strings for double bass and violone and for all bowed stringed instruments.

“I don’t view strings as an accessory. A bowed instrument is in essence, an amplifier of strings. And the material with which the string is made determines more than any other factor, the colour and timbre of the sound. The vibration of the string produces the sound and this sound is enhanced and amplified by the instrument.

What I’m committed to is a quality of sound, and a belief that these instruments, having been designed for gut strings initially; sound best when they adhere to this tradition to some extent. The notion of progress here is an illusion. There is no progress without some consequent sacrifice of value. This is as true in the string art as it is in many areas of life.”

— “Modern Gut Strings” an interview with Damian Dlugolecki, STRINGS magazine, August 1991.

About Damian Dlugolecki’s Strings

The gut and varnished gut strings embody an advanced string design providing an optimal balance between quickness of response and overall strength. We refer to this at times as graduated twist.  Over the past year or so we have endeavoured to take this further; to make a violin e” string that would be a pleasure to play and not a struggle. This project arose out of my study of baroque violin set up. I wanted to evolve the process of making gut strings, not simply to accept the formulas passed down to me, but to use the principles of science as well as tradition to advance my grasp of the art. I thought of this project as an effort to facilitate the experience of the improvising soloist in the spirit of the musical indication ‘a piacere.’ Through many trials with small batches of strings we found our way and finally achieved what we set out to accomplish not only for the e” string but for all of our strings. We know you will find these strings a pleasure to play.

The varnish process we use is particularly beneficial for the high tension strings, which are generally the higher pitched strings of an instrument. In addition to being under the most tension, they are played more than the others. Essentially, the normal wear caused by moisture from the left hand is slowed somewhat by the varnish coating. The response of a varnished chanterelle suffers almost not at all, compared with the thicker strings where the response can be slightly impeded by the varnish.

The wound strings continue to be made with traditional materials; gut, silk and various wires. Many of the patterns are inspired by careful study of old strings in my collection. These older string styles have been largely abandoned in favour of patterns dictated by the synthetic materials in use today. Though I look backwards in time for inspiration, the strings made in this shop benefit from tightly controlled machine driven processes where consistency of quality is assured.

Delivery

We deliver to customers across the UK and worldwide. Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive an email confirmation with your shipping details and tracking number.

We work with trusted courier partners such as UPS and Parcelforce to ensure the safe and prompt delivery of your purchase.

Please note that if you cancel your order for any reason other than those set out in our Returns and Refund Policy (for example, if you change your mind prior to dispatch or shortly after), we reserve the right to deduct any associated payment processing fees—such as PayPal or card transaction charges—from the amount refunded.

Returns and Exchanges

We understand that sometimes a product may not meet your expectations. You may return your item within 30 days of delivery for a full refund, provided it is in its original packaging and in resaleable condition. The cost of return shipping is the responsibility of the customer unless the product is faulty or incorrectly supplied.

Please include your full contact details and either the original invoice or a note clearly stating your name, address, order number, and whether you’d like an exchange or refund.

Returns should be sent to:

Standard Returns Policy

We are happy to exchange or refund any item that is faulty, damaged, or unsuitable for your needs. To qualify, items must be returned within 14 days of receipt, in perfect condition, and in their original sealed packaging with all labels and seals intact.

Your statutory rights are not affected. Please refer to our full Refund Policy below for additional information.

How to Return an Item (UK Customers)

• Pack the item securely in its original packaging (or an alternative sturdy box if necessary).
• Remove any old delivery labels.
• Enclose your invoice or a note including your name, address, contact details, and order number.
• Use a tracked postal or courier service of your choice when sending your return.
• Customers are responsible for the cost of return postage, which will not be reimbursed unless the item is found to be faulty or sent in error.

Once we receive your return, we will process it within 14 days. Refunds will be made to your original payment method, minus any applicable postage costs or transaction fees.

UK Exchanges

If you wish to exchange an item, we will cover the postage for the first replacement to UK addresses. Please include a note with your parcel clearly stating the item you wish to receive in exchange.

International Returns

Customers returning items from outside the UK are required to use a duty-paid service. Returns sent via duty unpaid or held by customs cannot be accepted.

Please securely repack your item (preferably in its original packaging) and remove all old shipping labels. We do not cover international return shipping costs. You must use a tracked, insured service suitable for your region.

Standard Returns Address

Please include your contact details, invoice, or a note indicating whether you would like a refund or exchange. You are responsible for paying return postage costs, and we recommend adequate postal insurance in case your parcel is lost or damaged in transit.

For any return queries, please email enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london.

Refunds

Refunds are issued to the original payment method used for purchase. While we aim to process all refunds within 24 hours of receiving the return, please allow up to 10 working days for the funds to appear in your account, depending on your payment provider.

In cases where an item is faulty, we may reimburse reasonable return postage costs upon confirmation. Please contact us at enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london for assistance.

Refunds will only be processed once the returned goods have been received and inspected. Proof of postage must be retained as evidence of return.

Refund Policy Summary

• Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt.
• Items must be unused, in their original packaging, with all tags attached.
• Returns without prior approval may not be accepted.
• Certain items are non-returnable, including perishable goods, custom-made items, personal goods, sale items, and gift cards.
• Damaged or defective items must be reported immediately upon receipt.
• Refunds, once approved, are issued to the original payment method. Original shipping charges are non-refundable, and deductions may apply for payment processing fees (e.g., PayPal).

For return requests or questions, please contact: enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london.