Violins produce one of the most authentic sounds among musical instruments. There is also great value in instruments that were hand crafted and meticulously done by passionate craftsmen. Before buying a vintage violin you need to ascertain that it is actually what the seller is claiming it to be. But how can you separate a classical instrument from an ordinary one?
Check the label or name of the manufacturer or craftsman. Among the popular classical craftsmen or labels are Amati, Guarneri and Stainer. Their labels and designs were unique and were used to identify instruments. Should an instrument miss one of these classical labels, it needs to be scrutinized further. In fact, some of these classical violins were produced in limited editions. Some of the editions can be accounted for to the last number.
Read the label on your instrument to identify whether it is genuine. The position to read is the f-hole, through which every instrument has details on the manufacturer. The label must display similarity with the instrument. If the label is new, it could be a sign that you are being duped. It is impossible for an instrument to age yet its label remains intact.
Check the Made in tag. The law before 1914 required that items being imported into the US be marked with their countries of origin. This means that such items would have a single name like Germany, Italy and Czechoslovakia, etc. However, violins, among other commodities, imported afterwards would bear the name Made in. Such names were also to be written in English.
To tell the age and quality of violins, check at the quality of varnish. The varnish used on vintage instruments was a quality that never really dried up. It was oil based and easy to detect, compared to what is used today that just evaporates in minutes. Classical instruments have their varnish penetrating deep into the wood. An imitation will display signs of chipping and flakes, which affects the appearance.
Seek professional advice when buying a classical violin. There are professionals who appraise instruments with an incredible level of accuracy. If you suspect that your instrument does not fit the description given, invite an expert. They have sold the violins for years or are even professional players who can distinguish its age by the quality of sound produced. In case of doubt, they will direct you for further examination.
The place you buy your violin is an indicator of quality to expect. Are you buying from a recognized supplier or in the black market? Recognized stores are eager to protect their name and business. They also source their violins and other instruments from credible sellers. In case you realize that you have been duped, you can seek recourse considering that the business is duly registered.
Consider the quality of other attachments accompanying the instrument. They include the bow and casing. Check on the quality of string and ensure that your bow is not broken. Check on casing and storage to avoid violins that have been damaged by mites or elements like water.
Check the label or name of the manufacturer or craftsman. Among the popular classical craftsmen or labels are Amati, Guarneri and Stainer. Their labels and designs were unique and were used to identify instruments. Should an instrument miss one of these classical labels, it needs to be scrutinized further. In fact, some of these classical violins were produced in limited editions. Some of the editions can be accounted for to the last number.
Read the label on your instrument to identify whether it is genuine. The position to read is the f-hole, through which every instrument has details on the manufacturer. The label must display similarity with the instrument. If the label is new, it could be a sign that you are being duped. It is impossible for an instrument to age yet its label remains intact.
Check the Made in tag. The law before 1914 required that items being imported into the US be marked with their countries of origin. This means that such items would have a single name like Germany, Italy and Czechoslovakia, etc. However, violins, among other commodities, imported afterwards would bear the name Made in. Such names were also to be written in English.
To tell the age and quality of violins, check at the quality of varnish. The varnish used on vintage instruments was a quality that never really dried up. It was oil based and easy to detect, compared to what is used today that just evaporates in minutes. Classical instruments have their varnish penetrating deep into the wood. An imitation will display signs of chipping and flakes, which affects the appearance.
Seek professional advice when buying a classical violin. There are professionals who appraise instruments with an incredible level of accuracy. If you suspect that your instrument does not fit the description given, invite an expert. They have sold the violins for years or are even professional players who can distinguish its age by the quality of sound produced. In case of doubt, they will direct you for further examination.
The place you buy your violin is an indicator of quality to expect. Are you buying from a recognized supplier or in the black market? Recognized stores are eager to protect their name and business. They also source their violins and other instruments from credible sellers. In case you realize that you have been duped, you can seek recourse considering that the business is duly registered.
Consider the quality of other attachments accompanying the instrument. They include the bow and casing. Check on the quality of string and ensure that your bow is not broken. Check on casing and storage to avoid violins that have been damaged by mites or elements like water.
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