5/23/2016

Considering Purchasing A Vintage Violin

By Maria Long


People have been playing musical instruments for years, either for pleasure, or as a member of a professional orchestra. A beginner will normally start with a mass produced instrument which costs very little before moving up to a higher quality model. More experienced players will decide to buy a vintage violin and there is some homework to be done before you make a costly purchase.

If you speak to a professional musician, they will agree that the more expensive the instrument and the better quality it is, the better you will play and sound. All violins, which are handmade by skilled craftsmen, will have a unique tone and appearance. Before you buy a valuable violin it is highly recommended that you spend some time playing it to ensure it is the correct instrument for you.

Vintage instruments will usually command a higher asking price than a modern made one and this is the usually case with violins. Their value is dependent on a few factors each of which is extremely important when you are choosing which model to buy. There are well established music retailers in Huntington Beach, CA who stock antique violins and they will be happy to advise you when you are looking for one.

The initial thing to work out is how much you want to spend on your vintage instrument. With the prices ranging from a few thousand to millions of dollars for the very rare pieces, it is important to make the correct choice. A variety of things will affect the overall value including the maker, the country of origin, construction materials and the year.

Musical instrument retailers are the best place to find and purchase a vintage instrument and many stores can be found in towns and cities. The good thing about using a shop to source instruments is that you can play the violin before you make a decision. Another plus point is that you can speak with the experienced staff that work in the shop and ask for their advice and guidance.

You can also find vintage instruments being sold by web based retailers and internet auction pages. You should exercise some care when purchasing items online, as you may not be able to play or view the item before buying. Any antique should be verified by an expert in their field as many counterfeits are frequently offered for sale as the genuine item.

When you are purchasing a vintage instrument, you should always talk to the person selling it and ask about the history of the item. Ask them where they purchased it, check the serial number and get as much documentation as you can to prove its provenance. A violin should be sold with its original case and this is important as it will add to its overall value.

The final thing to think about is insurance cover for your vintage instrument. A standard home contents policy will not cover a high value instrument and you should check with your insurer. There are specialist firms that can provide comprehensive cover for antiques and price quotes should be obtained before you make a decision.




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