Expert Repairs – Services & Maintenance – Master Set-ups – Sound optimisation

At Olaf Grawert Violin Studio, we offer expert repairs to suit your instrument.  Whether it’s a minor issue, or a complete restoration, Olaf uses his 40 years of experience as a master violin maker to improve the sound quality, set-up and playability of your instrument.

Common Repairs:

  • General Services

  • Professional set-ups

  • Bow Rehairs – including new leather, silver winding and other repairs

  • Crack repairs & Gluing – clean, invisible joins

  • Cleaning and Polishing

  • Fingerboard planing

  • Peg refitting and replacement

  • Tailpiece, chinrest and fine tuning fitting

  • Sound Improvement – with 40 years of experience, Olaf understands the acoustics of stringed instruments and applies this knowledge to get your instrument working at its absolute best.

Let us know if you have a specific request?  Olaf also specialises in antique restoration and tonal optimisation.  Find out how your Olaf can help you get the most out of your voice – your instrument.

🏆 40+ Years of Experience | Trusted by students, teachers and orchestral and solo performers across Brisbane and Australia

Restorations

As a Master violin restorer, Olaf has trained in the art of restoration in Bremen Germany Germany, under Stephan Fßrst (Mittenwald violin making school), Marcel Richter (Vienna), Julie Reed-Yeboah (New York)  and under Helge Grawert (German Master Degree of Violinmaking). I use the latest techniques that seek to retain as much of the original as possible, thus retaining the value of the instrument. People from all over Australia and internationally have sent their instruments to me for restoration work.

 

I continue to educate myself in ground breaking techniques in the restoration of antique instruments.  I have further research into new counter-mold techniques and materials that guarantee that the original shapes can be retained. I have also researched a unique technique to restore previously repaired cracks to make them virtually invisible.

A lot of instruments can lose sound quality over the years because of warping and repaired cracks. I also perform “Sound Restoration” which means that the sound quality of the instrument is restored. This is something that is often overlooked by restorers.

book a restoration appointment See olaf's latest restoration projects
Expert Violin restorations - Brisbane, Olaf Grawert Violin Studio

🎻 Why String Players Trust Olaf

  • ✔ Over 40 years of master-level craftsmanship
  • ✔ Trusted by conservatorium students & professionals
  • ✔ Precision repairs with seamless finish—no visible joins
  • ✔ Fast turnaround for common services like bow rehairs & bridge adjustments
  • ✔ Honest advice, personalised service, and long-term support

Customer Testimonials

Sound quality had improved by 100%

I have seen Olaf for over 5 years now, and every time, I have left his studio smiling. Olaf has an extensive range of string instruments and products, and it is more than likely that there will be one perfect for you. I bought my instrument from him in 2012, and it has never failed me. It is clear that Olaf is a master of craft when you see your instrument after a service. Not only did it look just about new again, the sound quality had improved by 100%. I highly recommend Olaf’s violin studio as the go-to place if you are considering buying a new instrument or getting a service. He is very precise with his work, and he ensures that his jobs are done to the customer’s satisfaction. Thank you Olaf for your brilliant work!

J H

It is exciting to see the instrument being played again

Sophie’s violin has arrived home, and is looking (and sounding) absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much for all you’ve done. It is exciting to see the instrument being played again, knowing that it’s future will be making music rather than sit in a box, forgotten and falling apart!

Heidi B – 19/03/2011

Thank you for a job well done

My son is very happy with the sound and the adjustment done with the finger board which has made his playing easier and sounding a lot better. Thank you for a job well done.

Melchora – 22/04/2010

A fantastic service

A fantastic service. Olaf has wonderful experience and advice and really knows how to find a violin that is perfect for you.

Alexander Thomas

Highly recommended luthier!

Highly recommended luthier! I had a cello appointment, he gave it a thorough look over, fixed and tweaked a few things (including sound post adjustment), gave me some general advice and booked in for a follow up full service. My cello sounds amazing after the sound post adjustment and left happy! Olaf definitely has a lot of knowledge and wisdom, and I would trust him to fix any instrument. (He is the luthier Ling Ling 😉 )

Fletcher Blight

Sounds so much more open and resonant now when I play!

I recently got my violin back from Olaf after he reset the neck and put on a new bridge. It sounds so much more open and resonant now when I play! Thanks so much Olaf, for all your help.

Josie

Incredible work…

I’ve been having such a wonderful time with the violin – I can’t begin to tell you just how pleased I am with it, you really breathed new life into it. Incredible work. You’ve certainly earned your reputation

Anthony H

It is the best it has ever sounded….

I have had my viola and bow now for almost a week, and played it every day. I believe it is the best it has ever sounded, and its intonation has a clarity I have not had before. So, thank you for taking the time to improve my viola’s sound and intonation. Thanks, too, for such a great repair!
DT

….so vibrant….

Thanks Olaf.  The Viola sounds so vibrant and plays beautifully.

Thank you for such a wonderful set-up.

Michella Xavier

Very happy…

Just had a play of my little fiddle.  The sound is much improved, wonderful.  When I lift the bow the sound seems to continue for ever.  Very happy, thanks.

 

Dave

….sounding the best I can ever remember it sounding!

Hi Olaf,

Thanks for fixing my bridge issue on my violin last week. I played it at orchestra last night and it is so much better now, and sounding the best I can ever remember it sounding!

Michael

It sounds amazing now

Thank you so much for checking my violin and putting on the bridge and tailpiece and all that, it sounds amazing now.

the G and D are noticeably clearer and louder now…and it’s easier to play double stops…the strings used to hurt my fingers  a bit and now it doesn’t…It’s really amazing and easy to play now…thank you very much!!!

 

Cindy – 23/02/2013

….now it can tell stories again with glorious colour

Olaf restored my mid 19th century German violin. I honestly believed it was beyond repair, but not so when the Luthier is Olaf Grawert. It was split, cracked, and sad. It had become quite dull but now has its character back. Warm, deep, rich, full and mellow. Playing it felt emotionless and passionless to play…but now it can tell stories again with glorious colour.   Olaf was open and honest with the process and I could truly see that he knew how much this family heirloom meant to me. Isn’t she beautiful.

 

Wow, it is a totally different instrument. I am soo happy!!

I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the work you did on my violin. Wow, it is a totally different instrument. I am soo happy!! This is what I was hoping it could sound like…the clarity of tone, pinpoint of the pitch even is utterly transformed. It is even far easier to tune since the acoustic beats between 5ths are much more clear now. The tone is richer, volume is louder and the projection better so that it now sounds like an expensive instrument worthy of a nice concert hall. The sound is nice and open, speaks easily and has totally lost that sound like it is fighting itself to get the sound out. It is definitely sounding far more close to the sound of the strads and other great instruments I have been privileged to play in the past. Oh and the pegs work beautifully now! If I played the old and new versions side by side I really think I would have thought them to be different instruments. I am kind of surprised every time I play it and maybe I am imagining it but I think it is playing in and sounding even better (and the new strings I imagine). You really have amazing skill. Thank you!
John, WA

I would recommend him…

I have had multiple violins restored by Olaf over the years. Olaf has a thorough understanding of what a violinist requires in terms of playability, and brings out the best in the instrument. Olaf is fair, knowledgeable and friendly, and I would recommend him any violinist looking for advice and setup.

Philip C

I wouldn’t want to have anyone else in the world handle my instruments!

Very well knowledgeable! Great sense of humor. Clearly loves what he does and I wouldn’t want to have anyone else in the world handle my instruments!!

Nate

Olaf did a great job

Olaf did a great job fitting a new bridge in and carved my fingerboard down. My violin sounds more brighter and not ringing.

Francis

Olaf, you are a treasure….

Today I collected my violin and bow after a service. First service in 4 years after being played on the coast and in the bush. Again my 1926 violin has it’s youthful good looks and it’s warm soothing sound. Olaf, you are a treasure. I sincerely wish my doctor could do for me what you can do for my violin and bow. I wish you good fortune. (That is me being very, very selfish as I want Olaf to be around for many, many years to look after my violin and bow and for the person who inherits it.)
Sincerely,
Dave South

….master of his craft

Olaf is truly passionate about his trade, and genuinely a master of his craft. Took my violin to Olaf for a service and am absolutely loving how it sounds! Very meticulous and spares no expense to make sure your instrument is sounding spot on! Will definitely be back. Thanks Olaf!

Jason See

Incredible

 I’ve never heard my violin sound like this.  Thank you so much for doing such a fantastic job…incredible.   thanks,

 

Marina

Olaf works miracles!

I thought my cello was beyond all help after an accident ripping apart the front. The sight of those splintered openings was hard to bear – but now I have my cello back looking and sounding great! Olaf works miracles!

Elle Cee Eff

Behind the scenes in Olaf's Workshop

At my studio I make and modify/optimise violins, violas and cellos to create tonal qualities required for performance at the highest level.  I achieve this by combining the age-old tradition of Lutherie with new studies into the acoustics of the string family (using research by the Grawert Family and some famous German violin makers).  This research has enabled me to use some of the same techniques that were used by the famous 17th and 18th Century Italian Masters with great tonal results.  Watch some videos of me restoring instruments on my YouTube channel.

Subscribe to Olaf's Channel on Youtube

What Makes Olaf’s Master Set-Up Exceptional?

When it comes to violin performance, set-up is everything. That’s why every instrument leaving Olaf Grawert’s Brisbane workshop is personally adjusted, tested, and refined by Olaf himself — with over 40 years of experience behind every decision.

I always play each instrument and adjust it until I’m so happy with it that I want to keep the violin myself. I always try out the instruments far too long, because they are so much fun to play. This way you can be sure that when your instrument leaves my workshop, everything about it is perfect.

Violin Repair & Restoration Brisbane - Olaf Grawert Violin Studio - Master Violin Maker

Why players love Olaf’s Master Set-Up:
• Personally tested by Olaf — Every instrument is played and adjusted until it meets Olaf’s exacting tonal and playability standards.
• Professional-level fingerboard shaping — Planed to the same standard as high-end concert instruments for accurate intonation and a clear, clean tone.
• Hand-fitted professional bridge — Each French or German bridge is custom cut to maximise acoustic resonance.
• Expertly adjusted soundpost — Known as the “soul” of the violin, the soundpost is precisely fitted and positioned for optimal tone.
• Top-quality strings — Selected to bring out the best tone in each instrument.
• Smooth, accurate tuning — Pegs are expertly refitted for effortless tuning.
• Optimised tailpiece placement — Ensures proper string afterlength and improves overall sound.
• Perfect string height and spacing — Essential for ease of play and smooth transitions across strings.
• Bow and playability checks — Ensures the bow complements the violin for balance and response.
• Ongoing support and servicing — Exceptional after sale support and service

 

have a question? email us! Request an appointment Watch Olaf's restoration projects on youtube