Services | The Flatiron Luthier

The Flatiron Luthier Services

Our President, Sarah Kluge of Sarah E. Gray Restoration LLC, has worked in this amazing field for over two decades. She earned apprenticeships, studied at Oberlin Workshops, served on the board of the Violin Society of America, participated in the British Violin Makers Association, participated in public outreach, and has maintained the shop for over a decade. Sarah serves the professional, the teacher and the motivated student within a local and a national community and accepts in-trade contract work..

In addition to providing client services, The Flatiron Luthier is also dedicated to their partnership with The Flatiron Luthier Cooperative. We partner with local and other non-profit whose missions align to bring the joy of music to those who may not have access to it otherwise.

Ethical Tonal Adjustment & Ergonomic Set Up

At The Flatiron Luthier, maximizing performance, means balancing energy flow. Painful injuries due

to over-compensation can plague performers. Pain, frustration, lack of joy, and unactualized

potential leads to failure. At an adjustment session we will work together, listen to your needs and

create a portfolio of statistics pertinent to your instrument and bow. These are documented and are

stored as a template. You keep a copy to take on the road and keep on-hand for reference each

time instrument is brought in. If an adjustment with template takes under 15 minutes, there is no

charge.

Structural Restoration, Repair & Retouching

At The Flatiron Luthier, we offer a conservative approach to structural restoration, conservation, cleaning, and services for violins, violas, cellos, basses and their bows. Our professional staff have years of experience and training, to ensure your instrument will sound and play as it was intended to.

Our structural restoration includes a myriad of delicate repairs. Please inquire for details.

We also offer insurance appraisals, new fittings, hybridization, new strings, and bow rehairs. We understand that even minor issues can affect the sound and playability of your instrument.

Our retouching services are designed to protect your instrument and erase damages, when appropriate, while still maintaining its original character. After a thorough cleaning, we can adjust scratches, chips, dings, remove previous unsuccessful luthier repair, and other cosmetic imperfections, ensuring that your instrument looks as beautiful as it sounds. It is a balance to keep the instrument's character and story while preserving it.

Maintenance

Maintaining your instrument at home is crucial to its longevity, sound quality, and ease of play. By taking proper care of your instrument, you can ensure that its value continues to appreciate over time, making it a worthwhile investment.

At The Flatiron Luthier, we believe that proper at-home maintenance is of the utmost importance, and we are committed to providing our clients with the knowledge and tools they need to care for their instruments at home. With our guidance, you can rest assured that your instrument will continue to perform at its best for years to come.

Personal Training Sessions

Our president, Sarah E. Kluge, provides personalized training sessions on site for students and

teachers, whether at your home, on stage, or at school. This service might include providing routine,

preventative maintenance, or tonal adjustments.

Our training sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring that they receive the guidance and support they need to maintain their instruments in top condition. Whether you are a student or a teacher, our training sessions will equip you with the tools you need to keep your instrument performing at its best.