Meet the member: Bridgewood and Neitzert

Our network of Take it away retailers is as rich and diverse as the community of musicians counting on their expertise and support throughout their musical journeys.

We recently spoke to Gary Bridgewood, who, alongside Tom Neitzert, founded Bridgewood and Neitzert in 1982 and have since established themselves as one of the UK’s premier violin dealers, restorers, and makers.

The pair started their first workshop in 1982 in Dalston, working 7-day weeks, and over the years, they have grown the business from a small partnership into one of the UK’s leading violin dealers. Gary was pleased to share that they now work “normal hours”. Known for their meticulous repairs, restorations, and curated selection of instruments and bows, Bridgewood and Neitzert’s journey has been defined by,

“Dedication to quality, a love for music, and the privilege of serving musicians of all backgrounds, from beginners to world-class professionals”.
Their primary focus is on violins, violas, cellos, double basses, and bows, covering both modern and baroque set-ups, but they also work with lutes, viola da gambas and cases. While acknowledging the unique charm of each instrument, when asked to choose a favourite, Gary expressed that “the violin holds a special place in our hearts for its expressive range and the variety of quality and sound”.

Violin and cellos are especially popular among their customers, in fact, Bridgewood and Neitzert are one of the main violin dealers/repairers in London, working and selling both modern and baroque instruments. They deal with a huge variety of instruments and players and are “proud to offer a wide range to suit every taste and budget”, including rare and period instruments for specialists.

Gary began playing the violin at the age of seven, and his passion for the instrument has remained a source of inspiration and insight throughout his career; saying how regular playing keeps him “connected to the needs and aspirations of our customers”. Not only that, but it has shaped the way he approaches business, “ensuring that every instrument we offer meets the highest standards of playability and sound, and that our advice is grounded in authentic experience as musicians”. He then promotes this ethos with the luthiers, demonstrating instruments with them so that they can see how the work that they do can have a significant impact on the sound.

The Magic of the Workshops

Their Stoke Newington shop houses two floors of workshops, staffed by some of the finest luthiers in Europe. Here, they perform everything from minor adjustments to major restorations using time-honoured techniques and the latest innovations. 

“We have tackled projects as challenging as restoring double basses that have suffered severe accidents and reviving violins that seemed beyond repair”

Their approach blends minimal intervention with preservation of original materials, ensuring every instrument retains its integrity and value. They are also known for their expertise in baroque and classical period instruments, including specialist conversion work.

“What is especially wonderful is when an instrument seems beyond repair, and how so often after we have put it back together, it retains its original voice and frequently, we are told, sounds better!”

Bridgewood and Neitzert’s workshops are onsite, offering customers a seamless ‘workshop to storefront’ experience. Every instrument they sell is professionally set up and can be custom adjusted to suit each players’ needs, from bridge height to chinrest selection. This direct connection between their craft and retail operations ensures that every customer receives expert advice and a perfectly tailored instrument. Frequently, musicians are invited into the workshops to work with one of the directors for sound adjustments or one of our luthiers. This integrated approach is rare and means that they can offer an unparalleled level of service and quality assurance.

Their team is made up of highly skilled luthiers with years of experience and diverse specialisms. All have trained internationally or worked with renowned workshops before joining the Bridgewood and Neitzert family.  Gary shared how the team’s “collaborative spirit and attention to detail are at the heart of our reputation for excellence”. 

Accessibility and the Take it away Scheme

Everyone is welcome at Bridgewood and Neitzert: beginners, students, professionals, soloists, and musicians with specific needs, including those requiring adapted instruments. They run hire schemes for students just starting out, as well as for professionals needing high-end instruments for tours or while their own are being restored. Gary noted that this truly diverse clientele, is a “reflection the vibrant musical community we serve in North London and far, far beyond”.

Bridgewood and Neitzert joined the Take it away scheme in 2018 and have been proud members ever since. Through their membership, they are able to offer interest-free loans to help customers spread the cost of purchasing instruments and accessories.

“Accessibility in music-making is central to our ethos; we believe everyone should have the opportunity to play a quality instrument, regardless of financial background. The Take it away scheme breaks down barriers, making it easier for aspiring musicians to begin or continue their journey with the right tools. This aligns perfectly with our mission to support music-makers at every level.”

Standout Moments and Lasting Impressions

For 43 years, Bridgewood and Neitzert have had the privilege of collaborating with remarkable musicians and instruments. When asked for a standout moment from across the years, Gary recalled their ongoing relationship with Chi-chi Nwanoku and her historic Amati double bass, which they have restored and maintained for decades.

“Moments like restoring a centuries-old instrument after a devastating accident and seeing it return to the stage are deeply rewarding. The trust placed in us by musicians-whether world-renowned or just starting out-continues to be a source of pride and motivation for our whole team”.

Bridgewood and Neitzert remain committed to expert craftsmanship, personal service, and making music accessible to all. They look forward to supporting the next generation of musicians and to many more years of serving their vibrant musical community.

Discover Bridgewood and Neitzert for yourself:

Visit their website: www.bridgewoodandneitzert.london

Follow them on Instagram: @bridgewood_and_neitzert

With special thanks to Gary Bridgewood. This interview has been edited for clarity, length and readability.