Parmakis Instruments

29/05/2026

Since graduating from violin-making school in 2020, instrument maker and repairer Theo Parmakis has built a reputation as one of Sheffield’s go-to specialists for stringed instrument repairs and set-ups. Based in Nether Edge, Parmakis Instruments began with a focus on handcrafted violins, violas a...

04/05/2026

I am planning to take some time off customer work in JULY to focus on some new instrument making. I won't be in the workshop much in AUGUST either because of various holidays. So, if you want your instrument work done before late summer, please book it in ASAP.

(Currently taking bookings from the 25th of May onwards with the exception of small jobs.)

30/04/2026

Happy to say my 2020 Guadagnini model cello has found a new home, thanks to
I'd better hurry up and make some more! (I have the wood, people just need to stop breaking their violins for a moment so I have some time for new-making...)

27/04/2026

I'm back at the bench after a short holiday and catching up with some old friends. I'll have my work cut out for me this week with a bow rehair or two, new viola bridge, violin setup, cello reinforcement, cello bridge and even a small guitar repair on the cards.

AND I shall be continuing to varnish this new Guadagnini model cello, which I hope to have available for trial by June. Watch this space!

22/02/2026

Part of me feels like it was only just New Year, but also...

Since the start of January my jobs have been: fitting a new cello soundpost, restringing a violin, restringing a cello, fitting a cello soundpost and retouching some varnish damage, fitting a new viola soundpost, fitting a new bridge and soundpost of a violin, rehairing a violin bow, stringing up a cello and rehairing the bow, rehairing a violin bow, rehairing a violin bow, restringing a viola, repairing a cracked cello front, adjusting a cello bridge for string heights, repairing a violin pegbox, fitting peg bushings and fitting new pegs and a new soundpost, rehairing a violin bow, fitting a new cello soundpost and adjusting the bridge, rehairing a violin bow, rehairing a cello bow, fitting a new cello bridge and tailpiece, rehairing a violin bow, retrieving a cello spike that had fallen inside the cello, fitting a new cello soundpost, adjusting the bridge and rehairing the bow, re-varnishing the back of a cello, re-gluing a cello fingerboard, doing a fret level and recrown on a guitar. Aaaaand working on my 15 ½ violin commission, as well as spending a couple of days on my ongoing cello build.

Upcoming jobs before April include rehairing 4 violin bows, fitting a new violin bridge, fitting a new violin bridge and tailpiece, moving a violin endpin hole, repairing some cracks on the front of a violin, as well as finishing the violin commission.

I think that's everything 😆

17/02/2026

Delighted to announce that my 2020 Stradivari model cello has found a new home courtesy of Tim Wright Fine Violins, Edinburgh

29/01/2026

17/12/2025

Well that's a wrap. I'm going to use my last week or so of workshop time before the holidays to work on my new 15 1/2" viola commission.

As my last few repair jobs are getting collected, it's time for the yearly roundup again; over 2025 I've worked on 55 violins, 25 cellos, 5 basses, 9 violas, 4 banjos and 42 bows.

I'm looking forward to what 2026 has to hold. Amongst other things I'm hoping to get my current cello build finished and out into the wild - watch this space!

06/12/2025

I've been as busy as ever but not quite had time to post about the instruments and bows I've in. Amongst other things I'll be working on a commission in the run-up to xmas, so please book your jobs in now if you have anything urgent. Thanks!

05/09/2025

I will be participating in an Open Workshop as part of
Me, Alina Ehret (), Ask Eide () and Joe Vercoe (.instruments) will be showing our hand make instruments and discussing tools and techniques.
(There are no programmed talks, it's just a drop-in over the 13th and 14th)