About

Faversham Strings is located in the picturesque town of Faversham, Kent. 12 miles from Canterbury with excellent train lines to London and the delights of the Kent coast.

Below is the article that featured in Faversham Life it beautifully tells the story of Marina and Faversham Strings. With our special thanks to Amicia, author. We couldn’t write it or say it any better.

Marina Thomas discovered her passion for the cello by accident as a schoolgirl. ‘I was 14 years old and one day a science teacher said: “I have three cellos, does anyone want to have a go?” I loved the cello from the first touch, how it looks, feels and sounds.’ Marina set up Faversham Strings, a bespoke violin, viola and cello workshop, a couple of years ago.

Faversham Strings combines two loves: woodwork and string instruments. ‘Woodwork was my favourite school subject. I remember asking my GCSE tutor: “Is there such a thing as an instrument repair workshop?” After taking my A levels I wrote to several violin repair specialists asking if they would take me on as an apprentice. No-one would as it would be too labour-intensive. Happily, the wife of one them, who happened to be a lecturer at the London College of Furniture, wrote back offering me a place which I jumped at.’

After graduating, Marina worked at various violin workshops, including the renowned J P Guiviers, established in 1863, where she was responsible for ‘setting up instruments’. ‘People don’t realise that if you buy a string instrument on the internet it won’t have been set up correctly. For example, the pegs have to be fitted to turn smoothly in their holes to prevent them from popping out, and the bridge has to be a specific height and curve. If the curve is too flat you bow two strings at the same time. It is like owning a racing car that would be lousy to drive if it wasn’t fine-tuned. It’s rather like having an MOT.’

For a period Marina worked as a full-time physiotherapist, as the pay for string work was not very remunerative. ‘After a while I really missed it and began dabbling with string instruments on my kitchen table.’

The testimonies from satisfied customers on the Faversham Strings website testify to the excellent service Marina offers. Despite having young children, she also manages to find time to play with Encore Sittingbourne and the Amici Orchestra in London. And she also teaches the cello at Luddenham School. ‘I absolutely love teaching. There is a dearth of cellists in this area so it is a wonderful opportunity to encourage children to take it up.’ Luddenham School has a string quartet and string orchestra (Marina donated two cellos to the school). There are now 13 children learning the cello, including two new beginners’ groups. ‘It is really exciting.’

And finally….
As the business has grown so has the Faversham Strings online shop which now provides every possible string instrument accessory. Marina is always on the look out to purchase pre-loved and old instruments to carefully restore. This interest takes her regularly up to London and beyond, and ensures she always has a workshop bursting with beautiful instruments. To view the current reconditioned instruments for sale please check our Special Offers category in the retail section.

Testimonials

I just bought my first violin at the age of 44 from this lovely Lady. I didn't know what to buy or who to take lessons from! Marina was so full of knowledge and walked me through the whole process so when it came time to choose the right violin, I felt confident in what I chose. She also put me on to a great teacher that is so good and I am enjoying my new adventure. My violin teacher keeps complimenting me on the violin and all that I got with it, so that just confirms to me what a wonderful job Marina did for me. She is always there when I have a question and I even get texts asking how I am doing. I would highly recommend Faversham strings for any purchases as it has been a pleasure and I have appreciated the extra attention she gives.

Thank you for Eliza's beautiful new violin. She really loves it and asked me to tell you that she particularly loves the soulful sound it makes. It really is an absolutely beautiful instrument, thank you for the time you spent preparing it.

I recently purchased a cello through Faversham Strings for my 9 year old daughter. It was a big decision to make due to the price and making sure my daughter had a commitment to continuing with her lessons.

I asked Marina many questions about prices, re sale value and quality. My questions were answered honestly and I was given additional information about strings, sound quality, insurance etc.

My daughter Charlotte has been so pleased to have her own cello and I can really tell the difference in sound from the one she was borrowing, it is a much smoother, richer sound.

I would thoroughly recommend buying an instrument from Faversham Strings. I know if any problems arose I would be able to ask Marina her advice and it would be readily given.

I am a regular customer at Faversham Strings and have found the help, advice and quality of work invaluable. Marina has worked on a lot of student instruments for me,some of which have been in a sorry state and have come back looking and sounding wonderful. Excellent work, helpful advice, always very informative on the work done and affordable.

Quite a few of my students have now bought violins and violas from Faversham Strings and it is always good to know that they have been properly and professionally set up and produce a lovely tone. I have also had a lot of work done in my own viola which I was very pleased with.

Liam is absolutely over the moon with his new cello which we bought recently from Faversham Strings. Marina kindly took the time show me an example of the cello we were looking to order and discussed options for string upgrades that she felt best suited the instrument. The end result is a cello which, for a student instrument, looks and sounds comparable to some much more expensive cellos we’d seen. The service and attention to detail we received from Marina was second to none and I wouldn’t hesitate to wholeheartedly recommend Faversham Strings.