The Sydney String Centre

11/08/2026

Want to keep your bow playing at its best? 🎻

Your bow is one of the most important parts of your kit, and a few simple care habits can help protect it and extend its lifespan.

In this video, we share '5 bow care tips every string player should know' to help prevent damage and get the most out of your bow.

Have questions about the condition of your bow? Our bow specialists are here to help. Book in for a bow assessment or rehair at violins.com.au.

11/08/2026

We're Hiring | Workshop Trainee

Have you ever wanted to build a career working with violins, violas, cellos and double basses?

We're looking for a motivated Workshop Trainee to join our growing team at The Sydney String Centre.

This is a rare opportunity to learn alongside an experienced team of luthiers and workshop technicians, gaining hands-on experience in instrument servicing, set-ups, repairs and workshop operations. Whether you're a recent school leaver, changing careers, or simply passionate about craftsmanship and music, we'd love to hear from you.

No previous lutherie experience is required. We're looking for someone with a great attitude, strong attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in working with orchestral string instruments.

If you're ready to begin a rewarding career in one of Australia's leading specialist string instrument workshops, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply via SEEK. To be considered for the role, please include both a cover letter outlining why you're interested and your current CV.
👉 https://au.seek.com/job/93589697?ref=cm-ui

07/08/2026

🎉 Celebrating 35 Years — Meet the Team 🎻

Introducing eCommerce & Platforms Manager – Alex Jackson!

While you might not see Alex in the showroom, there’s a good chance you’ve interacted with his work behind the scenes. As our resident "tech guy", Alex keeps our websites, systems and digital platforms running smoothly, constantly looking for ways to improve the experience for both our customers and our team. In a business full of musically minded people, technology isn’t always our forte… luckily, it’s Alex’s!

Alex began his journey at The Sydney String Centre 11 years ago, initially helping with our website before expanding his role across marketing, warehousing and the many digital tools that support our team every day. Whether solving complex technical challenges or helping a team member troubleshoot a problem, Alex is always ready to lend a hand with a smile.

Outside of work, Alex has a passion for cars, LEGO and all things design. While he may not play an instrument himself, he has a genuine appreciation for music (even if we occasionally question his music choices!). And perhaps his most important role of all? Making sure there’s always cake ready for everyone’s birthday celebrations. 🎂

Thank you, Alex, for everything you do behind the scenes to keep SSC running smoothly.

Here's a little more about Alex...

After completing a Bachelor of Industrial Design at the University of New South Wales, Alex joined The Sydney String Centre in 2015. He initially assisted with the company website before taking on additional responsibilities across marketing and warehouse operations.

As the business evolved, so too did Alex's role. Today, as eCommerce & Platforms Manager, he oversees the websites, digital systems and platforms that support the day-to-day running of the business. From implementing new technologies to troubleshooting technical challenges, he is passionate about finding practical solutions that improve both the customer experience and the way the team works behind the scenes.

With a lifelong interest in design and technology, Alex enjoys solving complex problems and continually refining the systems that keep the business running smoothly. Outside of work, he has a keen appreciation for automotive design, industrial design and LEGO, interests that reflect his curiosity for how great ideas are designed, built and brought to life.

31/07/2026

Not sure if it's time to change your strings?

Check out our 4 tell-tale signs that your violin, viola, cello strings are ready to be replaced.

Fresh strings can make a remarkable difference to your instrument's tone, response and playability. If you've noticed any of these signs, it might be time to treat your instrument to a new set.

How often do you change your strings? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 🎻

29/07/2026

Want to get more life out of your strings?
Check out our top 5 tips for keeping your violin, viola, cello or double bass strings in great condition and helping to prevent premature wear and breakage.
A few simple habits can make a surprising difference to your strings' lifespan, saving you money while keeping your instrument sounding its best.
Do you have any string care tips of your own? We'd love to hear them in the comments! 🎻 - is there anything we missed?!

28/07/2026

🎉 Celebrating 35 Years — Meet the Team 🎻

Introducing Josemir Valverde – Sales Consultant
If you've visited our showroom, chances are you've met Josemir. Friendly, patient and approachable, he always takes the time to understand each customer's needs, ensuring they feel welcomed, comfortable and reassured when choosing the right instrument, bow or accessory.

As both a cello teacher and an experienced member of our showroom team, Josemir understands the importance of matching each player with an instrument that inspires confidence and enjoyment. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step, he'll happily answer your questions and guide you through the options.

Outside the showroom, Josemir also enjoys composing and arranging music, bringing another layer of musical knowledge and creativity to everything he does.

We're very proud to have Josemir as part of our team, helping musicians of all ages discover the joy of playing. Thank you, Josemir!

Here's a little more about Josemir...
Josemir is an award-winning composer and accomplished cellist. Originally from Brazil, he holds a PhD and master’s degrees in composition from UFRGS and a Bachelor’s degree in Composition and Conducting from the Federal University of Bahia. Some of Josemir’s accolades include, an Honorable Mention at the XXIII Presentation of Bahia Composers (2000), 1st Prize in the Eight Cellos in Concert Composition Competition (2000), 2nd Prize and the Audience Award at the National Composition Award Lindemberg Cardoso (2002), and many more. Josemir has also performed on cello with a number of South American symphony orchestras.

Now located in Sydney, Australia, Josemir works at a teaching studio with students ranging from beginner to advanced levels, and also runs online composition and music theory courses to share his expanse of knowledge and research.

27/07/2026

We're excited to see that next Glanville & Co. violin is on it's way! Wait... David, aren't you meant to be retired? 😜

This instrument is going to be particularly special. Max and David are selecting timber that has been passed down from violin maker to violin maker for more than a century. Beautifully seasoned over 100 years, this remarkable wood has been patiently waiting for the right instrument—and we can't wait to hear what it becomes.

If you'd like to be among the first to trial this violin when it's complete, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected] to be notified as soon as it arrives in our showroom.

Father and son duo (David and Max) selecting the timber for their next violin being made together.
We are lucky enough to have a selection of timber that is over 100 years old 🎻

13/07/2026

🎉 Celebrating 35 Years — Meet the Team 🎻
Introducing Junior Luthier – Bow Specialist, Katie Batchen!

If your bow is in need of some TLC, there's a good chance it'll end up on Katie's workbench! Katie specialises in bow rehairs, bow restoration, and helping musicians get the very best out of their bows. Whether she's carefully recambering a bow, replacing a grip, or carrying out a rehair, she approaches every job with patience, precision, and genuine care.

Katie joined The Sydney String Centre in 2020, building a strong foundation across instrument setups and workshop repairs before discovering a passion for bow work. Under the guidance of David Glanville, she trained in the highly specialised craft of bow rehairing and restoration, and has since become one of our dedicated bow specialists. More recently, Katie travelled to Germany to further develop her skills, spending time with the renowned teams at Dörfler, Knoll, and Josef Gabriel, learning more about the traditional craft of bow making.

As a violinist herself, Katie understands the important role a bow plays in a player's sound and technique, giving her valuable insight into helping musicians get the very best performance from their equipment.

Thank you, Katie, for the skill, craftsmanship, and care you bring to SSC every day.

Here's a little more about Katie…
Katie’s love for the violin began early, but growing up remotely in Northeast Arnhem/Yolngu Land meant waiting until age five to find a teacher in Gunbalanya. She later enjoyed rich musical experiences in Darwin, studying with concertmasters of the Darwin Symphony Orchestra and performing with the Darwin Youth Orchestra, CYMply Strings, and eventually the DSO, while also gigging, busking, and teaching throughout high school.

In 2012, Katie moved to Sydney to study Commerce and Arts, majoring in IHRM, Commercial Law, Music and German. She worked in corporate and NFP HR roles from 2014–2019, before her passion for violin led her to pursue training in instrument making at The Sydney String Centre. Under the guidance of the SSC team she has developing skills across repairs, servicing, assessments, instrument setup and violin making.

09/07/2026

🎉 WIN a FREE Set of Larsen Cello Strings! 🎉
To celebrate the launch of the new Larsen Sovereign cello strings, we're giving one lucky cellist the chance to win a complimentary set of Larsen cello strings and a personalised sound optimisation session, where we'll help you find the perfect string combination for both you and your instrument.
Entering is easy:
✔️ Follow us on one of our social media platforms.
✔️ Complete our short competition survey.
📅 Entries close 30 July.
👉 Enter here: https://form.jotform.com/261801090445047
Please note: The winner must attend the complimentary sound optimisation session in person at The Sydney String Centre to receive their prize. See the competition entry page for the full Terms & Conditions.

08/07/2026

In this video, Katie, one of the bow specialists in our workshop, takes us behind the scenes to show how a violin bow is recambered.

Recambering is the process of carefully reshaping the curve (camber) of the bow stick using heat to restore its balance, response, and playing characteristics. Katie explains what to look out for, when recambering may be beneficial, and how this process can improve your bow's performance.

Please note that not every bow is suitable for recambering. Factors such as the bow's condition, age, previous repairs, and the integrity of the stick all need to be carefully assessed before any work is carried out.

If you think your bow may benefit from recambering, book an assessment with one of our bow specialists. We'll inspect your bow, let you know whether it can be safely recambered, and discuss the best options for restoring its playing performance.