jamesofmi28 Posted April 21, 2005 Report Share Posted April 21, 2005 This is probably a stupid question for most of you Maestronetters, but I have to ask. If a violin dealer/restorer/maker is interested in purchasing a violin you have and asks you to send it off in the mail to them, what precautions should you take? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acyla Posted April 21, 2005 Report Share Posted April 21, 2005 Usually when I get my violins from other places they bubblewrap it for me. (god you should have seen the stress go out of me when I started popping *sighs* Americans are very generous with their bubblewrap). But if you send it in a case with bubblewrap around it, it should be fine. I've heard of soundposts becoming dislodged during shipping but I don't think it's that common. Also heard of bows wrecking the surface as well. You can ask them what they would prefer to be done if you want though. They may have a few ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regis Posted April 21, 2005 Report Share Posted April 21, 2005 jamesofmi28, Do you mean what precautions in order to be sure the dealer is valid and reputable (e.g. you'll get your money or instrument back)? Or shipping/insurance precautions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maestramusica Posted April 21, 2005 Report Share Posted April 21, 2005 Bubble wrap INSide the case, around the violin is good. My soundpost dropped once when I was strapping my violin case on a little luggage trolley, and wheeling it around on asphalt paths at a music camp. And then, the bridge broke too, so that necessitated my first major repair bill for this violin. (the luthier found other minor issues that were becoming important to deal with at that time). Anyway, excessive vibration like the asphalt path thing CAN make a soundpost dislodge. Take care! Norma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesofmi28 Posted April 21, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2005 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Do you mean what precautions in order to be sure the dealer is valid and reputable (e.g. you'll get your money or instrument back)? Or shipping/insurance precautions? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Actually both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flamenco Posted April 24, 2005 Report Share Posted April 24, 2005 Check with the BBB for complaints. Make sure you have a street address for the shop and owners. Essentially, look for past troubles (online searches do nicely for some places with real problems) and a way to contact the shop and owner. If a corporation, go the secretary of state site for the state and find out current status, agent of record, etc. If something in that record doesn't match your other information, check with the shop to find out why. For an expensive instrument sent on consignment, one might want to file a UCC1 financing statement. Easy and protects you if they go bankrupt. I like packing double boxed even better than in a case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddycreek Posted April 24, 2005 Report Share Posted April 24, 2005 Flamenco, Do you ship your violins with the bridge up or down? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey Holmes Posted April 24, 2005 Report Share Posted April 24, 2005 Quote: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Do you mean what precautions in order to be sure the dealer is valid and reputable (e.g. you'll get your money or instrument back)? Or shipping/insurance precautions? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Actually both. The risk is relatively low if you work with reputable shops/makers/dealers. Make sure it is clear who will pay return shipping if required... and that your insurance covers the instrument in transit. The violin business is one that relies on the buyer and sellers word. There are few other products sold with an approval period of a week (or sometimes more). A good dealer will be careful to protect their reputation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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