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Ayres Violins

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Ayres Violins

We are a specialist violin shop located in the north west of England. You can find us at www.ayresviolins.co.uk

Established in 1984, Ayres Violins has become one of the leading and most respected specialist violin shops in the North of England. We have an on-site purpose built workshop where we undertake all instrument and bow repairs and restorations. All work is carried out by Paul Ayres and Dave Slight, both of whom are very skilled and experienced Luthiers. At Ayres violins, an important part of the business is the making of new instruments. Over the years we have made many instruments for professional players throughout the U.K. and Europe, where they can regularly be heard in concert halls. Paul is often commissioned to make instruments to players specifications and has had players approach him from as far afield as Australia. We always have a comprehensive selection of antique and modern instruments, suitable for beginner through to professional level. Examples of the English, German, French and Italian schools are always represented in our stock of fine instruments. For those on a more modest budget we have a range of handmade Chinese instruments, which offer exceptional value for money. As you would expect from us, all the instruments are carefully set up to ensure optimum tone and playing qualities. We are happy to assist with the selection of an instrument, which customers can try in the privacy of our music room. We offer an approval service for all customers trying out instruments and bows with a view to purchase. We allow items to be taken out of the shop for a period of one week, subject to proof of identity and a small insurance fee. We can do valuations for insurance purposes and are agents for two specialist musical insurance companies - Allianz and New Moon. All our staff are friendly and knowledgable and are happy to help with any queries you may have.

12/09/2026

Violin by Rowan Armour-Brown, Lichfield,1980.

Rowan trained under the famous Italian luthier G.B. Morassi in the early 1970s, before working for Gil Solomon. After opening her own workshop, she produced many finely made instruments.

This violin is in superb condition, with a strong clear tone. If you would like to arrange a trial of this violin, or to find out about others in our portfolio, please get in touch: [email protected]

09/09/2026

New stock item

A very good silver & ebony mounted violin bow by Friedrich Wunderlich.

Wunderlich began his career in the workshop of Nürnberger, where he served his apprenticeship in the 1890s. In 1906, Wunderlich relocated to Leipzig and opened his own workshop there.

Sadly, the workshop was destroyed during WW2, forcing Wunderlich to relocate to Markneukirchen, several years after the war.

As you would expect, our bow delivers all the qualities of a master maker with such a heritage.

Dating from the 1920–1930 period, our bow is in very good condition for its age. Superb materials throughout, including very fine red/brown Pernambuco.

To arrange a trial, or for more information, please get in touch: [email protected]

23/08/2026

New stock item

A sliver & ebony mounted violin bow.

Made in Markneukirchen, Germany, circa 1930.

Fine quality pernambuco octagonal stick. Unstamped.
Ebony frog inlaid with abalone eyes, three part button with abalone eye.

To learn more about this bow, or to discover other fine bows in our portfolio, please get in touch: [email protected]

16/08/2026

New Stock Item

A very good cello bow, Conrad Gotz
Made in Germany, circa 1980.

Mounted in silver and ebony, the round stick is made from fine quality Pernambuco.
The ebony frog is inlaid with Parisian eyes and an abalone slide.
The three-part adjuster is made of ebony and silver, decorated with a ring of small abalone dots.
Weight: 83g.

In superb condition throughout. The stick has the correct balance of strength and elasticity, which draws a full tone easily.

To arrange a trial of this fine bow, or to discover other cello bows in our portfolio, please get in touch at [email protected]

12/08/2026

New Stock Item

Roderich Paesold violin bow

Made in Germany from selected Brazilwood, mounted with nickel silver and ebony. The bow features an ebony button, with mother-of-pearl slide, and round stick.

Roderich Paesold, born in 1891, founded his company in 1919, specialising in bow-making and instrument export.
Today, the workshop, with a heritage spanning over 170 years, continues to operate in Baiersdorf, Germany, producing handcrafted violin, viola, cello, and bass bows using traditional methods and the finest materials.

To arrange a trial, or for more information, please get in touch: [email protected]

10/08/2026

New stock item

A good German violin, Markneukirchen, circa 1920.

Excellent violin, in very good condition throughout. Amber varnish, with an exceptional one piece back.

Markneukirchen, a Vogtland town on the German-Bohemian border with a violin-making guild dating to 1677, became one of the world's leading centres of violin production during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

To arrange a trial, or for more information, please get in touch: [email protected]

08/08/2026

New Stock Item

Roderich Paesold violin bow

Made in Germany from selected Brazilwood, mounted with highly figured snakewood and nickel silver. The bow features a figured green abalone slide and matching eyes.

Roderich Paesold, born in 1891, founded his company in 1919, specialising in bow-making and instrument export.

Today, the workshop, with a heritage spanning over 170 years, continues to operate in Baiersdorf, Germany, producing handcrafted violin, viola, cello, and bass bows using traditional methods and the finest materials.

To arrange a trial, or for more information, please get in touch: [email protected]

06/08/2026

Throwback Thursday…

Paul and Dave practicing their marketing smiles 🙂

This had been a very productive year, with a violin, viola, and cello by Paul Ayres. A viola and two violins by Dave Slight.

Some instruments had already been sold, and were borrowed back from their new owners for the exhibition.

04/08/2026

New Stock Item

A very good cello bow, F.C. Pfretzschner.

Made in Germany, circa 1970.

Mounted in silver and ebony, the round stick is made from strikingly figured Pernambuco, with a beautiful grain.
The ebony frog is inlaid with Parisian eyes and an abalone slide.
The three-part adjuster is made of ebony and silver, with a matching abalone eye.

Weight: 82g.

In superb condition throughout. The stick has the correct balance of strength and elasticity, which draws a full, clear tone.

To arrange a trial of this fine bow, or to discover other cello bows in our portfolio, please get in touch at [email protected]

02/08/2026

New Stock Item

A very fine cello bow by Alfons Riedl.

Made in Bubenreuth, circa 1960.

Alfons Riedl was expelled from Schönbach following the Second World War and settled in Bavaria, where he continued to produce bows of exceptional quality.

Mounted in silver and ebony, the round stick is crafted from the finest pernambuco. The ebony frog is inlaid with Parisian eyes and a beautifully coloured pearl slide. The three-part adjuster is made of ebony and silver, with a matching pearl eye.

Weight: 79g.

In very good condition, with only minor wear to the handle.

To arrange a trial of this fine bow, or to discover other cello bows in our portfolio, please get in touch at [email protected].

Address

69-71 School Lane, Didsbury
Manchester
M206WN

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441614481860

Website

http://www.ayresviolins.co.uk/

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