Just as the condition is important when pricing an instrument for the seller, The proper functioning of the parts and maintenance are essential when considering purchasing a string instrument.
Investment potential is the third requirement the buyer may be interested in when purchasing an instrument. A good instrument with papers from a reputable appraiser can be a good investment in certain instances.
What is the best-sounding instrument you have? I get this question a lot and this is probably the most important category of all. What sound or tone are we looking for?
Visually, a violin should be attractive and blend in with other instruments. Without even playing a selection of violins, most of us will likely have a preference based on appearance.
Did you know the condition of an instrument is crucial when purchasing? The overall condition of an old violin must be weighed against the advantages of the structurally perfect condition of a new violin, as we have just discussed. For new violins, this step will not be so important. However, with an older violin, the condition becomes a critical factor.
We have been discussing the basic factors that go into pricing of instruments. As we stated in our previous articles, there are five basic priorities and requirements that are important to the buyer and five different ones for the seller. This month we will continue our discussion of the third most important factor that goes into pricing from the sellers view.
Our second most important area of pricing comes to the identification of the maker or brand. All knowledge of violinmakers of the past and present depends, and has always depended on the labels glued inside them and occasionally the brand. Without these clues we would have no idea of who made what, or where, or when.
Another important aspect that goes with construction is whether a skilled artisan builds the instrument. As you will see, the best handmade violins are ones that take much longer to produce than those that are mass-produced.
Welcome Back Last month we introduced the beginning of a series of small articles discussing the basic factors that go into pricing of instruments. As we stated last month, there are five basic priorities and requirements that are important to the buyer and five different ones for the seller.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced string player, having some knowledge as to how string instruments are priced will help when you are ready to purchase.
When we talk about pricing for strings instruments theres enough information to actually fill a book!
