Ayres Violins

Ayres Violins We are a specialist violin shop located in the north west of England. You can find us at www.ayresviolins.co.uk

Established in 1984, Ayres Violins has become one of the leading and most respected specialist violin shops in the North of England. We have an on-site purpose built workshop where we undertake all instrument and bow repairs and restorations. All work is carried out by Paul Ayres and Dave Slight, both of whom are very skilled and experienced Luthiers. At Ayres violins, an important part of the bus

iness is the making of new instruments. Over the years we have made many instruments for professional players throughout the U.K. and Europe, where they can regularly be heard in concert halls. Paul is often commissioned to make instruments to players specifications and has had players approach him from as far afield as Australia. We always have a comprehensive selection of antique and modern instruments, suitable for beginner through to professional level. Examples of the English, German, French and Italian schools are always represented in our stock of fine instruments. For those on a more modest budget we have a range of handmade Chinese instruments, which offer exceptional value for money. As you would expect from us, all the instruments are carefully set up to ensure optimum tone and playing qualities. We are happy to assist with the selection of an instrument, which customers can try in the privacy of our music room. We offer an approval service for all customers trying out instruments and bows with a view to purchase. We allow items to be taken out of the shop for a period of one week, subject to proof of identity and a small insurance fee. We can do valuations for insurance purposes and are agents for two specialist musical insurance companies - Allianz and New Moon. All our staff are friendly and knowledgable and are happy to help with any queries you may have.

It's always a good day when we get great new cello bows! Today we have two silver mounted pernambuco cello bows from the...
19/06/2026

It's always a good day when we get great new cello bows! Today we have two silver mounted pernambuco cello bows from the Finkel workshop. The Finkel bowmaking dynasty has its origins in the 19th century in Markneukirchen and has been established in Switzerland since 1952. These bows play beautifully and are available to try now!
0161 448 1860 [email protected]

A cello selfie on a particularly dismal Manchester day! An amazing Jay Haide cello à l'ancienne, set up in the Ayres wor...
11/06/2026

A cello selfie on a particularly dismal Manchester day! An amazing Jay Haide cello à l'ancienne, set up in the Ayres workshop by luthier Dave Slight - available to try now!

We have small violas! Judy showcases, in her right hand, a German viola labelled Storioni, 1905, (15 1/4") and in her le...
09/06/2026

We have small violas! Judy showcases, in her right hand, a German viola labelled Storioni, 1905, (15 1/4") and in her left, another German viola (15 1/2"), both beautifully set up in the Ayres workshop and available to try now!

Another selfie, this time with a fabulous viola made in 2003 by two time gold medal winning luthier Andrea Frandsen. Exc...
08/06/2026

Another selfie, this time with a fabulous viola made in 2003 by two time gold medal winning luthier Andrea Frandsen. Excellent condition and tone, available now!
0161 448 1860
[email protected]

New stock item available:Gewa Maestro viola, 40.5 cm / 16" back.Hand-selected, fully set up and adjusted here in our wor...
25/05/2026

New stock item available:

Gewa Maestro viola, 40.5 cm / 16" back.
Hand-selected, fully set up and adjusted here in our workshop.
Can be purchased through our assisted purchase scheme (if you qualify) at a considerable savings.

We also have a 39.5 cm / 15 1/2" viola available.

To arrange a trial, or for more information, please contact us: [email protected]

Many of you will already know just how good the Gewa violins we stock really are. Gewa violas are just as good, and repr...
24/05/2026

Many of you will already know just how good the Gewa violins we stock really are. Gewa violas are just as good, and represent excellent value. As with the violins, we have hand‑selected each instrument to offer you the best available. Each one is set up in our own workshop using top‑quality fittings and strings.

Gewa violas are eligible for purchase through our assisted purchase scheme, enabling a significant saving.

Featured here is a 39.5 cm (15 1/2") viola. We also have a 40.5 cm (16") viola in stock.
To arrange a trial or for more info please contact us: [email protected]

Last violin selfie of the week! Here is a lovely English violin made by highly respected maker Clifford A Hoing (1903 - ...
22/05/2026

Last violin selfie of the week! Here is a lovely English violin made by highly respected maker Clifford A Hoing (1903 - 1989), in High Wycombe in 1947. Clifford Hoing trained in wood carving and started making instruments in 1935, winning a Diploma of Honour at The Hague in 1949. Set up by Dave Slight, this violin is available to try now!
0161 448 1860 [email protected]

In stock: two beautiful violins by Albin Ludwig Paulus Jr (1866 - 1946), violin maker to the Royal Court of Saxony. Albi...
21/05/2026

In stock: two beautiful violins by Albin Ludwig Paulus Jr (1866 - 1946), violin maker to the Royal Court of Saxony. Albin Ludwig Paulus was a pupil of Dölling and began working independently around 1890, assisted by his son Kurt. Both violins have been perfectly set up here in the Ayres workshop and are available to try!
0161 448 1860 [email protected]

The Jay Haide Vuillaume model violin is the finest of the Jay Haide family. Inspired by, and based on, the work of Jean-...
20/05/2026

The Jay Haide Vuillaume model violin is the finest of the Jay Haide family. Inspired by, and based on, the work of Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume and made with the best European tonewoods, this attractive violin has been perfectly set up in the Ayres workshop and benefits from Wittner geared pegs. The back is beautiful too! Available now!

Ready for half term: a French violin from the Jérôme Thibouville-Lamy workshop, circa 1900, showcased here by our collea...
19/05/2026

Ready for half term: a French violin from the Jérôme Thibouville-Lamy workshop, circa 1900, showcased here by our colleague Judy. Expertly set up in the Ayres workshop, the violin has a beautiful rich tone! All enquiries welcome
0161 448 1860 [email protected]

Address

69-71 School Lane, Didsbury
Manchester
M206WN

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441614481860

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