Kostia & Iryna
Music Corporation
String instruments & repair specialists in Darlington, England
About Us
The Kostia and Iryna Music Corporation (K&IMC) is committed to meticulous and expert restoration and repair of all types of stringed instruments. Founded by luthier and professional musicians Kostiantyn Tsepkov and Iryna Zagorna. We are based in Darlington, Durham, North East, but operate across the UK and beyond.
Our workshop will tackle any job with care, using a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques. Each project is approached individually, recognising the sentimental and artistic value of every instrument.
Before becoming independent repairmen and restorers, we gained many years of experience in our native Ukraine.
We honed and developed our skills in restoration, repair, tuning and making violins with such famous European master restorers with a world-famous name, as the legendary violin maker Ivan Bitus, who called his teacher Lev Dobryansky the Ukrainian Stradivarius. We also visited other workshops and spent time with restorers from the National Music Academy of Ukraine named after P. I. Tchaikovsky in Kyiv, Igor Darvai, Alexander Prokopov, Vladimir Gutsulyak discussing methods and sharing ideas.
In addition to restoring stringed instruments, we specialize in tone quality. Many luthiers and restorers can only focus on wood and varnish work. For us, every violin, viola and cello must "sound". We can tell from your tuning if an instrument is not working at its full potential, even before we hear them. We know how to improve the tone quality and give your instrument the opportunity to play at its absolute optimum.
The beauty of their proportions, the patina of their varnish make us want the best for them. We understand and perform the mathematics of their tuning (bridge and sound post).
Explore this site to see how we can help you, whether you are looking to purchase another instrument or just want to breathe new life into an old favorite.
Our Services
Restoration & Repair
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Summary
We can repair, adjust or restore any stringed instruments. We usually work with violins, violas, cellos and double basses but we can also repair guitars, mandolins and other stringed instruments.
We undertake any job, from minor adjustments through to complete restoration.
Common repairs/adjustments include:• Replacing the bass bar
• Replacing or adjusting the bridge
• Replacing or adjusting the sound post
• Scroll and neck restoration
• Fingerboard replacement/adjustment
• Replacing or refurbishing pegs,tailpice ets
• Repairing cracks and regluing edges
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• Crack Repair
• Retouching varnish/revarnishing
• Professional leaning
• Old varnish removal and new varnish application (Shellac).Maximise the potential of your instrument
As experienced performers, we know how to get the best our of your instrument. Schedule a session with us to discuss how we can help your optimise the sound of your instrument. We can advise on the best strings to use, and experiment with moving the soundpost, during your visit.
Rebow & Rehair
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Summary
Bow repairs and rehairing:
We repair and rehair bows using the highest quality horsehair sourced from Mongolia. As well as
rehairing, we can also adjust and repair bows so they play reliably and comfortably.
Common repairs/adjustments include:• Violin / viola / cello / double bass bow rehair
• Leather thumbpiece replacement
• Silver winding repair/replacement
• Screw and eye repair/replacement
• Slide ( for frog) replacement
• Frog repair
• Bow tip replacement
String Instruments For Sale
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Summary
Stringed instruments for sale
We have a varied collection of violins, violas and cellos for sale, together with a selection of bows.
We have affordable student instruments, premium instruments for professionals and a range of mid-
price models. We have played all the instruments in, and are knowledgeable about their strengths
and limitations.
Please visit us to try out our beautiful instruments, or contact us for a video consultation.
How It Works
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Accessible Repair Services
No matter your location, access our top-tier repair services remotely by sending us your instrument with our labels. Even if you are in a remote area, we ensure your instrument receives the highest standard of care.
How It Works
Sending your instrument/bow by post:When you contact us to arrange a rehair/repair, we will send postal labels and, if necessary, a case.
We advise using Royal Mail Special Delivery or a tracked courier service. Please ensure that your have adequate insurance to cover delivery, whether your own or taken out through Royal Mail.
Please take pictures beforehand in case of damage in transit.
We aim to complete repairs/bow rehair in 7-10 days and will contact you if a repair is more complex than you anticipated.
IMPORTANT: Please do not dispatch your instrument until you have received the labels
