slowpoke

Lyndon I see three ebay offerings of Ceruti violins finished recently "http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Old-violin-Italian-label-Jo-Baptista-Ceruti-1809_W0QQitemZ250102346656"> From USA "http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Old-antique-Italian-branded-Ceruti-violin-dated-1809_W0QQitemZ130097477686"> from london And best value of all "http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/schoene-alte-geige-CERUTI-1804-roter-oellack_W0QQitemZ300099256731"> from germany

Once again I an minded to agree with you Lyndon. However I also have a feeling that many of the better ebay instruments are going to established dealers. I think that for people with $100 - $200 Ebay offers a wide variety of playable instruments. I bought 2 recently. One labeled Zimmerman that probably isnt but is in good shape and one Labeled Otto that might just be original but has a few scratches & repaired cracks. I haven't set these up properly yet but both sound OK/GoodA new equivalent like a "http://www.violinslover.com/OutfitIn.php?I=A3006">gliga student violin would cost $250 and although well made would lack the history and mystique.

To add to this strange tale the buyer seems to be delighted with her purchase despite being aware of this thread.

Im always interested in instruments made in bonnie Scotland. I imagine that a country steeped in folk music should produce exciting violins. Ebay provides a slow trickle of offerings Some have labels "http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280102697305 "> Like this "http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320099746819"> and this face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">While others are of "definite Scottish origin judging from the cornerwork and the small inset saddle" "http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220101369832 "> like this I would be interested in peoples thoughts

The thing is, to apply a fake label Im guessing you need to remove the top of the fiddle. So some knowledge and skill is required.

She can still return the instrument for her money back

has anyone notified the buyer? Simply sending the url for this discussion would do.

$5 to turn a skylark into a strad. Imagine seeing the label from one of your collection on that sheet!!

Graham In how many cased do you say "dont touch that fiddle with a barge pole"

Good time to buy. Haven't noticed a significant price drop here in the UK

When stamps and blank instruments can be bought cheaply it dosent take a genus to come up with the idea. Sadly we are all a little bit gullible when we see a makers name and think we have struck lucky.

I have seen many well made fiddles with the makers stamp facing the tailpiece. Even if you dont like this a reversed bridge is not hard to fix. Neither are the badly strung pegs. If Genuine and in good condition the Bow could be worth the reserve alone.

And I thought you were Lyndon J Taylor Principal, Second Violins LA Philharmonic Looks like you and I are fishing in the same waters Lyndon although for me it is only a hobby. Interesting story - I recently won a Zimmermann violin (Labeled JHZ) for £220. After the sale ended the seller was approached with a £350 bid which he (very honestly) passed on to me. The result was a profit of £130 on a fiddle that I never had in my possession.

In my experience people who make / repair have integrity that is rooted in a love for a good instrument. The idea of evaluations / appraisals by photo and email is an interesting one. I am presuming that this allows Lyndon in the Stated to work with Graham in Scotland. Graham - How much do you think can be ascertained from a photo and how much can only be gained through holding and playing. Slowpoke

Yes Alan A factory fiddle that plays well is a delight. A "labeled" fiddle that ought to play well but doesn't is a major disappointment. The sense of being hoodwinked doesn't help either.

There is something more honest about imitation violins rather that the fraudulent ones mentioned above. Sadly these labels were originally meant to be a mark of quality. I like this advert for imitation instruments. Imitations

Manufactured as fakes or relabeled as fakes?

Mmm thats a kick in the knickers

Interesting Item where the seller disputes henley "http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/18th-Cent-Irish-violin-by-John-Smith-Whitechurch_W0QQitemZ140100440952"> .ebay link

Ball park - what percentage of violins on ebay do you recon are not what the label suggests?

I tend to agree with Lyndon J on this one. Graham brings two things that the novice needs and that are worth at least £5. He has seen a lot of instruments in his time. He can tell if the date maker and country of origin look legit. He knows what repairs might be needed and what the cost might be. Some people posting here do not need such a service but the bottom line is Graham gives honest and impartial advice which must be a good thing. The further benefit to this approach is that it reduces the number of "what do you think of this item" posts on his own forum Everyone has to make a living and I wish him well. Sadly as we Ebay buyers are a tight bunch I doubt if he will make much money.