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.

Many music tutors and professional players will say that the better quality the instrument is, the better you will play. Every hand crafted violin will be unique in tone, feel and appearance. Prior to spending a large amount of cash on a violin you should play it for a while to make sure it is suitable for you.

A rare or valuable instrument will not be cheap and will cost considerably more than a mass produced model. A few things will determine the cost of these instruments and some care is needed when making your selection. There are reputable music shops in Huntington Beach, CA who deal in violins and they will be happy to guide you in your search for a suitable one.

When you have calculated how much money you wish to spend, you can start searching for your instrument. The price of antique violins will differ greatly and they can cost millions of dollars if they particularly rare. The maker, kind of wood, the age and the country where it was manufactured can all influence the sale price.

A music store is the best place to find instruments of this type and there are many for sale in stores worldwide. The advantage of using a store is that you can play the violin and check it personally before making a purchase. The trained staff will also be on hand to advise you and any purchases will be covered by their guarantees and after care.

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.

An important thing to consider is the insurance cover that will be required for your expensive instrument. Your home insurance will probably not be sufficient to cover an antique if it exceeds a certain value so you should check with your insurance company. You can find companies that specialize in covering instruments and antiques and it is well worth contacting these to get some quotes.




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