Philip Brown Violins

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Philip Brown Violins

Maker, restorer & dealer of violins, violas, cellos, bows & baroque bows Baroque bows and violins are made in our workshop by Philip and the team.

String players from beginners to amateur players, teachers, collectors and professionals come to Philip Brown Violins for honest, trustworthy expert knowledge and workshop skills. We carry one of the best stocks of instruments and bows outside of London, representing some of the best of English, French and Italian instruments available.

09/09/2026

🎻 Thinking about learning a string instrument?
Whether you're a complete beginner, a parent looking for an instrument for a young musician, or you're simply not ready to commit to buying just yet, renting can be a fantastic place to start.
At Philip Brown Violins, our rental instruments are carefully selected and professionally set up in our workshop to give every player the best possible start. 🎻
From growing children who need to move up through different sizes, to adults trying an instrument for the very first time, renting offers a flexible and affordable way to begin your musical journey.
🎻 Violins
🎻 Violas
🎻 Cellos
Swipe through to find out more about our rental programme, what's included and our prices! 👉
We strongly believe that a good instrument can make all the difference when you're starting your musical journey. An instrument should work with the player, helping them develop confidence and enjoy making music, rather than being difficult to play or holding them back.
That's why we don't simply source the cheapest instruments available. We carefully select quality instruments specifically for our rental fleet and professionally set them up in our workshop, so every player starts with an instrument capable of supporting their progress from day one.
📞 01635 35465
✉️ [email protected]

17/08/2026

You can't take the bench away from the bow maker... even on holiday! 🌞

While the rest of us would be putting our feet up, Philip has found the perfect holiday workshop — a workbench, some bows to make, and the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast for a backdrop. 🌊

We can't think of a much better place to work.

14/08/2026

Who says violin cases have to be boring? 🌈

Spirit cases have arrived at PBV, and they come in some seriously fun colours!

Bold and bright for those who wish to stand out to more traditional options for those who prefer to keep things classic!
They’re hard polycarbonate-shell cases, available in two sizes (4/4-3/4 and 1/2-1/4), and at £180 they’re a great budget friendly option!

We currently have the Fluorescent Green, Turquoise, Matte Deep Green and Matte Deep Red in stock, but any of the other colours or smaller sizes can be ordered in upon request.

So… which one would you pick?

📞 01635 35465
✉️ [email protected]

13/08/2026

🌘 Hope everyone managed to get a good view of the eclipse last night!

Our luthier William Bates , however, came prepared while on his holiday at Strumble Head, Wales. Who needs fancy eclipse glasses when you've got a PBV tote bag? 👀

We'd like to say the excellent view was entirely down to his ingenuity...
..but we're pretty sure it was the bag. 😉

08/08/2026

🎻 A New Arrival!

We're delighted to welcome this fine James Tubbs cello bow, dating from c.1900, to the shop.

Crafted from a strong stick of dark pernambuco and mounted in ebony and silver, it is a fine example of Tubbs' work, presented in excellent condition.

Adding to its story, this bow comes from the collection of a former LSO player, giving it a wonderful musical provenance alongside its exceptional craftsmanship.

Weighing 83.7g, it offers the balance, strength and character that have made James Tubbs one of the most highly regarded English bow makers.

If you'd like to arrange a viewing or trial, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

📞 01635 35465
✉️ [email protected]

03/08/2026

Every violin journey starts somewhere. 🎻

Whether you're moving up to your first full-size violin or you're ready to swap renting for owning, choosing the right outfit can make all the difference.

One combination we find ourselves recommending time and time again is:

🎻 The Kennet violin
🎒 A Pedi case
🎻 A Müsing C2 carbon fibre bow

Three of our best-selling products, carefully chosen to give developing players an outfit that's comfortable to play, well protected, and built to support the next stage of their musical journey.

If you're thinking about making the move from renting to owning, we'd be delighted to help you find the right instrument for your musical journey.

📞 01635 35465
✉️ [email protected]

24/07/2026

🎻 Sneak peek at out newest arrival! 👀

We're delighted to welcome this beautiful Montagnana model cello, made by Ian McWilliams in 2026, to the showroom.

With a powerful, open and responsive sound, it's an instrument that's a real pleasure to play—and hear.

If history is anything to go by, this cello won't stay with us for long...

Beautifully played by the wonderful Chris Gascoine .

If you'd like to arrange an appointment to try this, or any of our other cello's, please get in touch.

📞 01635 35465
✉️ [email protected]

20/07/2026

🎥 Workshop Close-Up

Did you know your tuning pegs rely entirely on a perfectly matched taper between the peg and the peg hole?

Here we have IJmkje fitting pegs on a lovely customer's cello. It's a precise process that requires the correct taper for a perfectly fitted tuning peg.

A well-fitted peg should turn smoothly, hold its position reliably, and make tuning your instrument a pleasure rather than a struggle.

It's one of those jobs where the smallest adjustments make the biggest difference, requiring specialist tools, a steady hand, and plenty of patience.

Traditional craftsmanship, one careful turn at a time. 🎻

03/07/2026

Can we all take a moment to appreciate that shiny pearl face? ✨

This stunning Dodd copy by David Forbes had Philip hooked from the moment he saw it.

Made from old pernambuco from the estate of the late Bill Watson, it combines classic English inspiration with David's exceptional craftsmanship. The elegant swan head, beautiful pearl face and perfectly balanced feel make this a bow that's impossible to ignore.

Supple. Strong. Harmonious.

Some bows simply have *it*. 🎻

If you'd like to experience this fabulous cello bow for yourself, give us a call or send us an email to book an appointment. We'd be delightedly to welcome you to the shop for a play.

📞 01635 35465

📩 [email protected]

25/06/2026

Any guesses for what we're making today?

Address

63 Cheap Street
Newbury
RG145DH

Telephone

+44163535465

Website

http://www.philipbrownviolins.co.uk/

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