What do you do in the workshop?

In my workshop I handle the making, repair, restoration and setup of violins, violas, cellos and double basses.

Ilaria Cazzaniga, Pellegrino Rossi St. 5, 20161 Milan - Tax Code CZZLRI92A61E063Y - VAT No. 11268490965

Maintenance and setup of bowed string instruments

Maintenance and repairs: to have an instrument that fully meets the player’s needs, to best enhance the instrument’s acoustic potential and to preserve or improve its structural and aesthetic functions.

Instrument set-up care: replacement or adjustment of the bridge and soundpost, planing of the fingerboard and nuts, improving peg function or replacing them, adjustment or replacement of tailpiece and chinrest.
Cleaning the instrument of deposits due to use (see cleaning in research and teaching) and application of a protective varnish.
Colour retouching with highly compatible and reversible materials, to cover even extensive colour losses. Possible removal of previous retouches with discoloration.
Gluing open seams and cracks, with possible internal reinforcements; integration or replacement of damaged or worn edges.
Other work such as: changing neck projection, correcting string angle, replacing the fingerboard and nut, peg bushings…

If you’d like to receive the price list, feel free to email me at inlab@ilariacazzaniga.it (subject: ‘Maintenance price list’). Alternatively, book an in-lab appointment for a tailored quote.

Handcrafted construction of new instruments

The construction of each instrument is entirely handmade, and this allows me to develop awareness and a deep connection with the raw material, the wood, and the various components that, in a balance of forces, create the musical instrument.
The setup of the instrument is done with the person who will play it, to try to meet their acoustic and practical needs.

Unique, custom-made instruments can be crafted to order.

Contact me to find out instrument prices!

Conservative and functional restoration

An antique instrument may need repair or restoration work. Together with the instrument’s owner, I try to find the right balance between conservative and functional restoration, considering the needs of both instrument and musician.

I attended several workshops through which I gained experience with different restoration theories and practices, which I apply in a complementary way.

The cost of the work can vary significantly depending on the instrument and its state of preservation. The estimate is provided only after an in-person evaluation in the workshop.

If you’d like an initial indication, you can send me a few photos by email. In any case, I recommend booking an appointment.

My tools

They’re looking for a friend to play with. Contact me to try it out!

Violin, 2019, Grancino model (Milan, 17th century)
Spruce and maple, handmade oil varnish with turpentine, sandarac, aloe.

Its sound is very personal, delicate yet rich, and offers the musician a wide range of performance responses.

Violin, 2020, Stradivari model (‘Gibson, Huberman’, 1713)
Red spruce and finely flamed maple, oil varnish made in the workshop with turpentine and sandarac, golden orange.

Violin, 2021, Stradivari model (‘Cecil’, 1724)
Red spruce and curly maple, handmade oil varnish with turpentine and amber, golden red.

A violin, a tree

I want to thank nature, which gives us this special material, wood, with which to create art and music.

For every instrument I build, I plant a tree, which will be cared for by the musician who will look after it.