Many old violins can be worth several times what you paid for them. You can get at least two thousand dollars for the genuine article and it's not unusual to find specimens that reach upwards of ten thousand dollars. Because of the complexities involved with this type of instrument, it is best to get violin appraisals first before deciding to sell
Don't rush to the nearest dealer just yet as there are many signs that you can find to help you with your own evaluation. If your copy has the words Stradivari, Amati or Guarneri, that does not immediately qualify it as the real deal. It may in fact be an old copy that has been passed along as a fake. This was a common practice around two hundred years ago, so you shouldn't be surprised if your instrument fits this category.
Even if your instrument is only a fake, it could still be worth several thousand dollars depending on its quality. There were actually many good luthiers all over Europe that purposely wrote down the names of the more famous craftsmen to make them easier to sell. Many of these fakes actually produced beautiful tones, so don't immediately write of your copy if it sounds great and is in fine condition.
In order to appraise an instrument on your own, first check the label just under the f-hole. If it's in English and it clearly indicates the country of origin, then it's probably a factory made copy and is not really worth investigating further. If it is however old and seems to match the condition of the rest of your violin, then it could be worth something although reputable appraisers rarely go by the label alone.
You might want to ask someone who is knowledgeable about violins for his opinion. You can start at your local orchestra and ask the first or second violinist for his opinion. This shouldn't be misconstrued as conclusive, but it is a good start.
If they inform you that your copy could be worth something, then it's time to hire the services of a professional appraiser. Dealers of reputable instruments will most likely have a good appraiser on their staff. The cost of this service will only be a fraction of the violin's value, but it is important to get a written copy with complete references.
Consider having your instrument restored or repaired. This will preserve its value and make it look more attractive to potential buyers. If you look at your total potential income, then these violin appraisals will only be a fraction of the cost.
violin appraisals
Don't rush to the nearest dealer just yet as there are many signs that you can find to help you with your own evaluation. If your copy has the words Stradivari, Amati or Guarneri, that does not immediately qualify it as the real deal. It may in fact be an old copy that has been passed along as a fake. This was a common practice around two hundred years ago, so you shouldn't be surprised if your instrument fits this category.
Even if your instrument is only a fake, it could still be worth several thousand dollars depending on its quality. There were actually many good luthiers all over Europe that purposely wrote down the names of the more famous craftsmen to make them easier to sell. Many of these fakes actually produced beautiful tones, so don't immediately write of your copy if it sounds great and is in fine condition.
In order to appraise an instrument on your own, first check the label just under the f-hole. If it's in English and it clearly indicates the country of origin, then it's probably a factory made copy and is not really worth investigating further. If it is however old and seems to match the condition of the rest of your violin, then it could be worth something although reputable appraisers rarely go by the label alone.
You might want to ask someone who is knowledgeable about violins for his opinion. You can start at your local orchestra and ask the first or second violinist for his opinion. This shouldn't be misconstrued as conclusive, but it is a good start.
If they inform you that your copy could be worth something, then it's time to hire the services of a professional appraiser. Dealers of reputable instruments will most likely have a good appraiser on their staff. The cost of this service will only be a fraction of the violin's value, but it is important to get a written copy with complete references.
Consider having your instrument restored or repaired. This will preserve its value and make it look more attractive to potential buyers. If you look at your total potential income, then these violin appraisals will only be a fraction of the cost.
violin appraisals
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