The Antique Violin

Buying a vintage or antique violin often causes a considerable amount of panic among potential buyers because they simply have no idea as to what exactly they should be looking for in the instrument to determine whether it is in good working order or not. Buying a vintage/antique violin also raises a number of logistical concerns and difficulties for the purchaser and this is primarily due to the fact that such violins are much more sensitive to subtle changes in both humidity and temperature. When exposed to less than optimal conditions for extended periods of time then, this can have a significantly adverse impact on the instrument.

Another issue to be aware of before buying a vintage/antique violin is the amount of wear and tear that is present within the violin. See those hairline cracks that are present throughout every inch of the violin and which the seller was oh so quick and glib to dismiss as nothing to worry about? Think again. They ARE a big deal, they WILL affect the violin, and you DO need to get them fixed, preferably sooner rather than later.

An issue that always raises concerns with purchasers is the “finish” of the prospective vintage violin that they intend to purchase, and whether or not the finish should be of a concern to you will depend entirely upon the reasons as to why you intend to use the vintage violin. If you are going to be using it solely for personal usage and to produce music with it then the finish is merely a cosmetic issue and therefore does not scale especially high on the priority list.

However, if you are buying a rare/antique violin as an investment opportunity, i.e. to resell at some future date, it is imperative that you are indeed aware that the finish of your violin will affect its final market value (the amount of money the vintage violin is actually worth.)

A major warning sign to be on the lookout for when purchasing any (alleged) rare violin or vintage violin is the presence of an unusually high amount of glue. This obviously means that the vintage violin has been taken apart by someone who has then used all that glue to rather clumsily it must be said, put the instrument back together. As with all other purchases, if you are looking to purchase antique violins on the internet, make sure your financial details are protected by means of encryption.

Easily compare prices of antique violins and vintage violins. Great selection. Great prices. International shipping.

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This violin is ideal for the beginning musician. It features maple wood back and sides, pear wood fingerboard and four fine tuners. It also includes a genuine horse hair wood bow, rosin and a featherweight carrying case with strap and carrying handle. Accessory colors/style may vary. Here are some hints to help keep your violin in tune: 1. Although the violins come with a bridge, it is not installed. Installing a bridge should is not difficult, but if you have a problem, please email us. The bridge has to be installed for the violin to play correctly. 2. Strings do tend to slip and lose their tune on a new violin because they need to stretch. If this happens, just give it time. The strings just need time to settle in. 3. If the violin pegs keep slipping, try to push the peg in while turning it. If they still dont stay in, peg drops are available at most music stores. They are relatively inexpensive and should help the pegs stay in. 4. If a strand of hair breaks on the bow, take a pair of nail clippers and cut it from the frog (bottom of the bow) or the top of the bow. A few hairs are bound to fall out with play. Remember to rub a little rosin (included) on the bow before playing. This is a great violin to get started with. And at this price it is an unbeatable value.

Price: $179.95

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Outstanding quality and superior value. The Knilling Maestro model violin offers superior materials, workmanship and finish, plus proper set up and quality components, to ensure ease of tuning, tone quality, practical playability, and structural integrity. The top is crafted from select, even grain spruce; the back from beautifully figured maple, with matching ribs, neck and scroll. Fully carved and graduated for superior tone, with genuine inlaid purfling around the top and back to help protect the plates; beautifully shaded, antiqued amber brown spirit varnish; solid ebony nut, pegs, fingerboard, tailpiece, saddle, and endpin ensure durability. Shop adjusted in the U.S.A., with quality components, including custom hand-fitted German maple bridge for superior sound, comfortable and elegant Guarneri-style chinrest, gold-plated e-string adjuster for precise fine tuning, and American-made D’Addario Pro Arte synthetic core strings. Meets or exceeds specifications established by the Music Educators National Conference. Outfit includes quality oblong case with zippered cover, semi French-fitted interior, matching blanket, four bow holders and three covered accessory compartments; brazilwood bow with ebony frog with horsehair, and rosin. Available in 4/4 size. Established in 1922, Knilling String Instruments has had the privilege of working with some of the finest craftsmen throughout the world; whether for a beginner or seasoned player, our instruments reflect Knilling’s commitment to unparalleled quality and exceptional value.

Price: $695.00

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This Heavy Rubber 4/4 Violin Practice Mute provides a high level of muting while preserving more tone quality than the metal variety. It greatly reduces volume for apartment and late night practicing. Lightweight and safe. Five-prong.

Price: $8.50

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The violin is one of the most popular instruments in the world not only for its acoustic beauty but also for its tradition: the violin and its music goes back centuries. And some actual violins are actually centuries old!

If you find yourself in possession of an antique violin – perhaps one handed down through your family, or a violin you’ve purchased online – you might be interested in assessing its value and potentially selling it for a solid profit. Here are some tips to keep in mind when valuing and marketing your instrument:

First, you’ll need to contact a third-party appraiser. He or she has the experience and training necessary to produce a fair and accurate evaluation of your instrument. After getting your instrument appraised, be sure to obtain a certificate of value from your appraiser. You will need it if you decide to bring your violin to market.

Second, obtain all documentation you can on your particular violin. This will help the appraiser evaluate the origins, and thus the value, of your violin. Antique violins are valued based on a number of criteria. One of the most important is, of course, the age of the instrument: the older, the more expensive (usually). Age in itself is not the determining factor, however. The heritage, or legacy, of the violin is just as important. Perhaps it was made by a famous luthier (violin manufacturer), like Antonio Stradivari. Or perhaps it was owned and played by a famous violinist. This unique individual history of the violin could be of great value to collectors and violinists, your major potential markets for such an instrument.

Third, consider bringing your violin to a luthier for repair if its condition is subpar. Though it will cost you money to restore the instrument to its former glory, you may make more profit out of the violin upon its sale. In fact, some people purchase antique violins in poor condition, only to repair and refurbish them and sell them for a profit. An experienced luthier can take an instrument on its last legs and make it shine once more, increasing its appraised value.

Finally, bring your instrument to an experienced dealer. You will probably have to pay commission to this dealer to help you sell it, but his or her experience and connections will enable you to make a better sale than if you tried on your own with your more limited market and reach.

For more information on buying and selling antique violins, see this article on the antique violin. Other information on antiques can be found here as well, including facts about civil war swords.

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Antique violins are not only unique, they are also very valuable. It has been estimated that, on average, these violins increase in value 5% every year. Due to their limited supply, they are very much in demand and could be used to explain this principle in any economics course quite clearly.

A Stradivarius version, made by the master Stradivari, goes for upwards of $2.5 million in auctions around the world. The supply is continuously decreasing as fires, war and inept repairs damage the few remaining in the world.

The Real Value

Yet, why are collectors so fascinated with antique violins? What makes them different from ones that are mass produced every day?

The History

Antique violins were often handmade by such masters as Maggini, Amati and Guarneri as well as the aforementioned Stradivari. Violins constructed in Cremona, Italy during the golden age are the most in demand and retain the best value.

The Greatest Violin?

A Stradivarius is still the benchmark by which all other violins are measured as it produces the clearest sound due to the uniqueness of the wood used to manufacture them. Others just cannot replicate this sound and this adds to the thrill of holding and playing a genuine Stradivarius.

Passing on Family Values

An antique violin may also be treasured as it represents the history of a family. Watching your child learn the basics of tuning and playing your grandfathers musical instrument is priceless. This connection between generations also shows the timelessness of music.

Yet, not only can an antique violin show the history of a family, it can also show the history of violin making around the world. Violins have been manufactured in Italy, Germany, Japan and now China.

Many are handmade, many are from cottage factories and the rest came about as the result of mass production. If someone is trained in the history of this instrument, they can often distinguish where and when a violin was made just by its sound quality.

The Value to a Collector

Antique violins are treasured for their uniqueness in both looks and sound. Collecting has developed into an international hobby as antique violins are from a historical time. This love of collecting has endured over the centuries and only continues to grow.

Just ask any collector who has bid in the millions to own a genuine Stradivarius or waited for hours to attend an auction which features an Amati. Then you’ll understand more about the mind of those so intriqued by the hobby.

Why do They Do It?

If this hobby is still baffling to us, be sure to check out a Mintz concert. It will quickly become clear what the value of an antique violin really is.

Bob Pardue writes about learning sheet music at http://www.largemart.com/

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Violin-Four books of Graded Folk Music for Beginners and Advanced Learners of All Ages-Learn to Play the Violin with Favorite Folksongs, and Enjoy the Music! …and Two Theory Workbooks specifically designed for young Violinists.

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Handmade violin is an affordable alternative to a more expensive older violin. It has become so affordable that anyone who wants a hand-made violin can easily afford it.

A wide range of handmade violins are available in the market to cater to the needs of beginners as well as professional players. Handmade violins are available in a variety of sizes to suit the age of the player. Compared to factory-made violins, handmade violins have excellent tonal properties.

Handmade violins made using traditional construction methods are more favored by soloist, violinist, and professionals. Most of the handmade violins offer good value in tone quality, durability, and workmanship. Moreover, they require little maintenance. Handmade violins are labeled and signed by the name of its maker.

Making of a handmade violin requires great skill. The price of a handmade violin depends on workmanship and the quality of material used. The monetary value of a violin also depends on the reputation of its maker. A handmade violin with excellent sound quality can cost up to $10,000. Certain manufacturers offer cash discounts on handmade violins at the time of purchase.

Handmade violins are available in a wide range of qualities and prices. They can be purchased from a skilled violin maker, a mass manufacturer or from a violin shop. New as well as antique handmade violins are available in the market. Handmade violins with superb sound quality can be purchased online. Ebay.com, shop.com, and amazon.com are some of the popular websites where you can find handmade violins at a reasonable price.

Custom designed handmade violins that are personalized to suit your taste and style are also available. They are built to your specifications regarding woods and finish. Specifications can also be made in terms of size and shape of violin. Better wood selection and hand work are the key factors that improve the quality of custom designed handmade violin.

Violins provides detailed information on Violins, Electric Violins, Violin Music, How to Play the Violin and more. Violins is affiliated with Soprano Saxophones.

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