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How to get yourself a bargain by buying antique violins.
Buying antique violins can have a lot of advantages. There are lots around and you can usually find them down to 1/2 size or sometimes smaller. Older instruments are not only individuals but come with a history! Its great to think these old instruments have been played by others before you. If they could talk, they would have fascinating stories to tell! The great thing about antique violins is that the tone will have settled. So, in some ways, they are not so much of a risk as a new violin.New violins need to be played in and you can't really be sure how they will work out. If you are particular about the sound you want, you could have more luck finding an older instrument you like. At least you know it should stay sounding the same as when you bought it! If you get a good antique violin, they can be a great investment and might go up in value while you have them! Alas there is always a down side. You need to check older violins quite carefully. Some of them have had a hard life. They may have been damaged and repaired. This is not necessarily a problem. However if, for example, you have your heart set on buying a cracked instrument you must be sure repairs have been carried out and are stable. Many earlier violins might have had adjustments to increase their power. Watch out for composite antique violins. Its quite common to find that a violin might have been damaged and then rescued with parts from other violins. Again if you like the sound, and go into this with your eyes wide open, then fine. But you will want to be sure you are getting value for money. Think about whether you could resell the instrument. If you feel doubtful, others probably will too. Buy from a reputable dealer if possible and reserve the right to take the violin back you have problems. All that said, the good news is that there are some fantastic bargains out there. One of the intruments I have, is an old German trade violin from around 1900 - with a crack in its ribs. It is quite light, with a great tone. It wasn't expensive and would have been a lot more if it had been perfect. I have lent it to professional players who would like to own it! I love it! It feels very smooth as though it has been played endlessly throughout its life! And I don't need to worry about it too much. I take it to the pub every week to play! How do you find good antique violns?This might depend on your budget and how long you have to look for one. If you have plenty time they can turn up in the oddest places.Car boot sales, in newspaper adverts etc. If there is a dealer in your area, check what they have. Another idea is to go to specialist auctions. The biggest and best auctions are held in the large cities, e.g London and New York. You can view and try the violins and then bid on them. Get some advice if possible before you do though! Some of these auctions focus on fine antique violins which can cost a small fortune. But there are many auctions where you can find reasonably priced old violins in good condition. You might have more luck finding something locally. Follow this link if you want to read more about violin auctions. Repairers often have instruments for restoration and it is worth asking around. If you don't know where you're local repairers or luthiers are, find out through the phone book, ask dealers, or search online. Online trade is growing and you might want to check out eBay or Gumtree. Gumtree is a good resource and you can shop locally. You can contact the seller directly and you can usually go and try an instrument. Please follow the guidance on the Gumtree site about personal safety if you buy this way. The downside is that finding a violin like this can be time consuming. You could think of it as a blind date - you won't necessarily hit it off with the first violin you meet! EBay is more pot luck. You can't try before you buy. So,I wouldn't advise this route if you are looking for a particular sound. Ebay might be a good source if you are more experienced. You will have some idea of the types or makes of violins you are looking for. For example you might know that you like Guanerius copies. Then when you see one cheap enough, you might be tempted. A cheap second instrument can be a good idea too. Some of my friends have bought antique violins this way and got some serious bargains which they have been very happy about. Its a risk. However, if you can get your instrument cheaply enough and you don't mind too much if it doesn't work out, give it a go. More extreme, perhaps, is buying an instrument for restoration. Again, Ebay is a good source. Not for the faint hearted but there are lots of people who love doing this. Some of my friends for a start! I wouldn't recommend this if its your first instrument. Best just to start playing as soon as possible rather than getting involved in a "project" that might not ever be finished. If you have bought a disappointing instrument in the heat of the moment don't worry. There is a lot you can do to improve the instrument. Set up which can make a huge difference to a violin and you can have this optimised for your violin. I hope this has given you a few ideas of how to source an older violin and what to look for. Good hunting. Its a lot of fun. Watch out though. For some people, searching for the perfect violin, or collecting antique violins becomes a lifetime's passion! People mortgage their houses! So work out what you can afford and stick to it. If you are still not sure about buying antique violins, we recommend you click here to read about new violins too. Just so you have the full picture. Before you go, sign up for our e zine. Its easy and quick and you'll stay up to date with news.
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