How can you tell if you have an antique violin?
Keep in mind that antique violins are not necessarily valuable, and value will depend greatly on the condition of the instrument. Look inside the violin through the F-holes (the spaces on the front of the violin) and check for a label inside the instrument.
Are there any missing pieces of a violin?
Even very sticky crud can be wiped away. *Missing pieces — Old instrument glue frequently dries out and pieces of the instrument, such as fingerboards, nuts, and saddles can fall off. You may hear the sound post rolling around inside the violin. Don’t be deterred; these can easily be set up again.
What makes an old violin a fake instrument?
Fake old instruments, such as the one to the left, have blisters, cracks and crackles that are painted into the varnish. Sometimes the varnish is shiny and new in addition to having fake cracks, crackling and blemishes! Finally, actually old instruments sometimes have extra lining where the top wood meets the ribs.
Where do you find the label on a violin?
Look inside the violin through the F-holes (the spaces on the front of the violin) and check for a label inside the instrument. It may be glued to the inside back of the violin.
How can you tell if a violin is authentic?
Such a mark is an indicator that it was factory made for the American market and you need go no further. If the label appears to be very old and in similar condition to the rest of the violin, it may be authentic, but no reputable appraiser would ever consider the label as more than one of many factors in authenticating an instrument.
Why is the neck of a violin never varnished?
The neck on a violin is ALMOST NEVER varnished, though it may be sealed with a light shallac. This is because the skin of the player’s left hand will normally interact with the oil varnish, resulting in a stickiness that would interfere with the smooth movement of the hand.
Can you tell if a violin is a Stradivari?
If you have a violin with a label nearly identical to the Stradivari or other labels shown above, but it says “Made in Germany,” it is de facto NOT an authentic Stradivari, but a factory made copy. You don’t need an appraiser to tell you this. There are levels of expertise in the appraisal of musical instruments.
How old is an anonymous Italian violin instrument?
An anonymous Italian instrument that is over 200 years old and a is fine work of art may still be worth several thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Note also that there were roughly 20,000 violin makers over more than 250 years making instruments in the Italian tradition in the vity of Cremona, Italy alone (the home of Stradivari).
