String instrument dealers, restorers and repairers in Wales and the UK

Established in 1984 by Christopher King, Cardiff Violins started life as a small workshop in Cardiff Bay, primarily servicing the Welsh National Opera, BBC Orchestra, amateur players, teachers and college students. Prior to this, Chris had worked as a violin repairer for many years in Kent, and then studied making at the Welsh College Of Instrument Making and Repairing, where he met Michael Quinn, one of his most talented students, who joined him at the end of his studies. They have remained joined at the hip ever since!

As its reputation for quality workmanship spread, Cardiff Violins as it’s known today opened in Castle Arcade in 1993, with Chris’s wife, Cécile Limon running the shop. Since then, the shop has more than tripled in size, with expansions in workshop space, trying out rooms, and additional staff. Chris’s son Dan joined the family business in 2009, training under Chris and Mick’s guidance and is now a fully trained violin maker and repairer. Joe Roach, another long-term member of staff who started many years ago as a shop assistant has also joined the workshop team and trained as a maker and repairer.

On May 1st 2024, the shop changed hands from Chris and Cécile to Dan and Joe. In the shop, they are assisted by violinist Mark Loveday and cellist Ellie Zuntz. Mark graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and went on to further his education in the Oslo Conservatoire in Norway. Ellie also graduated on the cello at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. She plays the viola Da Gamba as well as the cello.

Whether you need repairs, restoration or maintenance, or are looking for a new violin, viola, cello, bow or accessory, you are welcome to visit and meet a member of the team, discuss your needs, and spend time trying our instruments in one of our private trying-out rooms.

Please call us on 02920 22 77 61 to book an appointment.

We look forward to welcoming you!

The Cardiff Violins team

It is rare to find a shop where you feel you can relax and take your time; at Cardiff Violins they respect that choosing the right instrument can be a long process and requires a relaxed environment. The staff are so welcoming and always at hand to help.

Ruth Elder, London

Violinist

I very much enjoyed the warmth of the people and the place. I spent a lot of time playing their stock of violins, and particularly loved their set-ups. I felt I could trust Chris with my Carcassi so asked him to set it up. I have never been so happy with my violin.

Gezalius

Geza Hosszu-Legocki

Over the years Chris and Cecile have always made time to remedy any problems I might have, and we are very lucky in Cardiff to have such a wonderful, friendly service close at hand.

Richard Newington, Cardiff

1st Violinist in the BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Already an accomplished violinist, I was looking for a new bow of excellent quality to complement my violin. I didn’t have to go any further than Cardiff Violins. I finally set my eyes on a Manuel Francisco bow of exceptional quality.

Alessia Beebie, Guernsey

Violinist

Cecile and Chris were a pleasure to meet and so helpful when I was trying to decide which instrument to choose. Their service was just perfect, I couldn't fault it at all. Now as the proud owner of a beautiful Don Tatem viola, I couldn't be happier.

Bill Robinson, Rochester

City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra

I have spent such a long time with Chris to find the best my violin could offer, and it now sounds wonderful. I trust them for anything, from working on my violin to selling violins to my students.

Florence Altenburger, London

Violinist; Guildhall School of Music and Drama Junior department; Faulkner House Girl’s School

Thank you, Chris and Cecile, for introducing me to the “love” of my musical life. It has opened up unimagined possibilities in my music making. I feel that I have, at last, found my voice.

Jenny Wigram

Amateur Cellist, Torbay Symphony Orchestra

I acknowledge that I am not an accomplished violinist, but I have played musical instruments for thirty years, and would consider myself sufficiently competent to appreciate the rich and subtle tone of the Czardas!

Mr. H. Pritchard, North Wales

As soon as I picked up Anne-Cecile’s bow, it felt right… it was that wow feeling. The first notes and scales on the violin just left me smiling. It is a true piece of art I never tire of looking at and playing!!

Peter Copper, Reading

I am pleased with the antique viola purchased and most impressed with the hugely knowledgeable and friendly assistance that enabled me to choose the right instrument.

P.R. Pay, Devon

I can't thank you enough for all your help and invaluable advice over the years... your kindness and detailed knowledge has ensured that I have the perfect instrument as I embark on my studies at the Royal Academy of Music.

Saran Davies, Neath & Royal Academy of Music, London

All testimonials

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