About Thwaites

Old Lady Head

At Thwaites we have everything you need as a string player under one roof.

With a wealth of experience to draw on, we aim to combine good service and fine workmanship with value for money. Whether beginner or professional if you are looking to find the right instrument or bow; if yours is in need of repair or restoration; if you need strings or accessories - then we are able to help.

As an established family firm we have for many years supplied and maintained many of the finest Double Basses to players and orchestras all around the world. We have always kept good quality violins, violas, 'cellos and bows as well and currently have one of the finest selections in the country. With a comprehensive stock of well over 200 violins and violas, 50 'cellos, 40 basses and many fine bows to choose from we cater for all players whatever their age, standard or budget.

Whether you are a professional player, teacher or student looking for an instrument or bow we would invite you to try a selection here at our premises. You may take some on approval to try in a more familiar acoustic. It would always be helpful to make an appointment before coming, especially if travelling from a long distance, but we would always try to accommodate if this were not possible.


Full workshop facilities are on site for adjustments, repairs, restorations and bow re-hairs and we offer prompt service on all the above. We are agents for both Allianz Musical Insurance and New Moon Musical Insurance and undertake work on their behalf. We also value instruments for insurance purposes

We are always looking for good instruments and bows to buy and are happy to take something in part exchange against a more expensive purchase or sell an instrument on a commission basis subject to suitability.

You can contact us by Telephone on: +44 (0)1923 232 412
or Fax on: +44 (0)1923 232 463
e-mail: info@thwaites.com