deans Posted September 15, 2015 Report Posted September 15, 2015 why would anyone else consign an instrument for auction if it had no flaws? Lots of reasons, for one people dont live forever, at some point instruments will have to change hands. Selling directly to players can be very difficult, selling through dealers has its ups and downs. Of course selling at auction has issues too, but more individuals seem to be choosing that route. Its my experience that in recent years lots of instruments have shown up at auctions that you just didnt see before. Maybe thats my imagination. Still I agree that a player looking for his/her one working instrument will have a tough time at auctions, unless you show up to a lot of them in person and only look at stuff thats well set up and playable.
martin swan Posted September 16, 2015 Report Posted September 16, 2015 Most items at auction houses have some issues, why would anyone else consign an instrument for auction if it had no flaws? Yes, you hear this a lot, always from people who actually buy at auction ... It's at best a partial truth, since most older instruments have issues, whether they're at auction or not. A high proportion is probate.
Violadamore Posted September 16, 2015 Report Posted September 16, 2015 Most items at auction houses have some issues, why would anyone else consign an instrument for auction if it had no flaws? Because it's simpler for a player needing funds, an executor wanting a case closed, a bereaved family, or inexperienced violin sellers in general to sort out 5 or so auction houses than fifty dealers?
victordriver Posted September 17, 2015 Report Posted September 17, 2015 Tara, You've had all the big contributors to MN respond and even (I think it must have been) Jerry Springer tuned in..... The advice seems to be avoid auction houses unless you can get to playing the instruments and even then watch out!!! Not sure what others think but I reckon the consensus is rent or arrange loan instruments. Good luck! Mike
franciscus Posted September 17, 2015 Report Posted September 17, 2015 Tara, You've had all the big contributors to MN respond and even (I think it must have been) Jerry Springer tuned in..... The advice seems to be avoid auction houses unless you can get to playing the instruments and even then watch out!!! Not sure what others think but I reckon the consensus is rent or arrange loan instruments. Good luck! Mike I haven't seen such a consensus, OK, maybe I just did not recognized it or my brain declines to accept US$2500 as the budget that can cover just the rent or loan. If that's so, then, people, you live in the violinist's hell. The OP mentioned "higher level orchestra instrument" and 1880-1920 period, which are, basically, two things. If these two things have to go together, than I see one pretty tough task too (even it is not the impossible mission - I know a few people here on the MN that certainly could accomplish it, but it is not up to me to list them - Tara passed "10 posts probation", so they can send the private message to her), but if one looks just for one, I think that it could be done more easily. If I were a young maker, which I am certainly not (nor young, nor a maker), just starting to build the name and reputation, I'd try to make a deal with Tara and make the long-term relationship with Tara and her young violinist. Or US$2500 is not enough for the violin made by young maker? Or such a violin could not reach the "higher level orchestra instrument" league? Or there is something more that I cannot see or cannot understand?
victordriver Posted September 17, 2015 Report Posted September 17, 2015 Hello Franciscus, The consensus just refers to a means of selection not the final purchase. Im only thinking that given the big distances referred to. Tara can get stuff posted without agreeing any long term deal. If there was a consensus on the next step then it was to use a reputable dealer. Your suggestion of a new made violin sounds good to me. Perhaps Tara has been contacted by a number of MN people directly on this line.
Elaine Posted September 17, 2015 Report Posted September 17, 2015 I thought I would chime in with my experiences as a thoroughly ignorant adult amateur with Tarisio. First of all, I have bid on some bows without trying them out, but I was staying under $500. I got outbid on all of them. I happened to be in London for the preview of their first London sale. I went, again looking at bows. I did not take my violin with me, and I was going with the expectation of 1. having an interesting experience; and 2. maybe picking up something that would be as much souveneir as instrument. I discovered that I have FANTASTIC taste in bows. I chose three or four bows that I liked and that all had high estimates in the price range I was looking at. Every one of those bows went for well over estimate and every one of them went for more than my price range. One of them went for more than twice its high estimate. If you live within an easy drive of a major auction house's preview site, then, by all means go, try things out, keep your wits about you and bid if you find something you really like. However, most of us don't live within an easy drive, for most of us the travel costs would eat up our budget; and the chances of actually getting the violin you have your heart set on is not great. If you really, really love it -- odds are someone else does also. Elaine Dowling Norman, OK
tara81662l Posted September 18, 2015 Author Report Posted September 18, 2015 Greetings All, I wanted to give you an update on my process and let you know how your posts have helped me keep an open mind on our violin shopping. It has been an interesting experience and one where I find myself "growing" and coming out of my comfort zone. As you know, my OP was regarding Ebay sellers and my desire to purchase an antique fiddle for higher level middle/high school orchestra playing. Preferred budget was $2500 with the thought of a much more expensive fiddle budget in the future IF my daughter "earns" it. Translation - she is a typical pre-teen into lots of things like being a great student, athlete, musician, etc. As a parent, you know she can be a better musician if she practiced more but with our busy lives, we are happy with her progress. She currently plays in a symphony group, is one of the youngest at age 12 and is 3rd chair out of about 50 violins. So the potential is there and we need a fiddle to replace her 3/4 antique one. And perhaps it is flawed thinking, but we didn't want to invest in a more expensive fiddle until we see her commit to her progress - demonstrated in lots more practice instead of the 15 to 20 minutes she tends to put in with coaxing. Additionally, this is a child where we are now up to about 7 retainers due to her habit of placing them on the carpet where she is reading just to have one of us step on it! And although she has not damaged a violin yet, her pre-teen focus or lack of do not support a Strad anytime in the near future! So based on this criteria, there were several things that were an absolute for me. - I will not buy a violin without my daughter and her teacher liking it (teacher has no financial connection to our purchase) - It is easier for the violins to be demoed locally to accommodate the above - I will not buy a violin that has not been checked out with our local luthier What has changed for me: I have a love for old violins and still do, BUT in keeping an open mind and reading some of your posts, I have moved away from this position. We are currently demoing a Snow violin and it sounds so much better than her current antique and others we have heard along this journey. I know it sounds strange, but it feels a bit like I lost a friend because I was initially not open at all to anything other than antiques. I feel like the sentiment for Chinese instruments is still very mixed, but I couldn't deny the sound quality and good set up of the fiddle. It is easy for my daughter to play, we tested it in an auditorium, etc. and it was a good fit. Since I am now out of my comfort zone, (and in the spirit of many of your recommendations to go to shops and play other instruments) we are now on that path. We have two violins we are testing now. I made arrangements to get more by the end of next week. My final consideration is seeing if I want any others sent to me from some of the major sellers some of you have mentioned where my investment is shipping costs if they don't work out. So although I don't live in an area where there are many brick and mortar shops, I am utilizing a few and in some cases I am taking advantage of the internet to have some sent to us. Speaking of the internet, I did actually find a lovely antique full size bow on Ebay. I know.....I started this thread with Ebay on the brain and here I go bringing it up again! What can I say, it has always been a comfortable place for me to buy things. However, based on your posts and thoughts, I clearly realize buying a fiddle on Ebay can be treacherous and if someone were to take the plunge, make sure you do it with someone who provides a 100% refund if not happy. Based on where we are now, I expect our fiddle purchase to take place in the next 13 days, but who is counting?!!!! PS I have not received any reach outs from a young maker on making a fiddle as referenced in one of the posts. Sounds like a fascinating project. And even though the practical side of me has this $2500 budget in mind now, I know my daughter is my heart. IF she morphs into some dedicated musician, we will not hold her back and will support her with a higher level instrument. Stad - NO 10 to 15K not out of the question. Thanks again for all of your sharing! Tara
Rue Posted September 18, 2015 Report Posted September 18, 2015 Thanks for the update! I love hearing how the violin journeys pan out. Also...it is OKAY to love a Chinese violin... . If it plays well and does the job...go ahead and love it...
Violadamore Posted September 18, 2015 Report Posted September 18, 2015 Thanks for the update! I love hearing how the violin journeys pan out. Also...it is OKAY to love a Chinese violin... . If it plays well and does the job...go ahead and love it... Why sure, I mean, just look at Dave Burgess and his rumored eclectic preferences. De gustibus non est disputandum.
tara81662l Posted September 20, 2015 Author Report Posted September 20, 2015 Now that our full size purchase is in the near future it is dawning on me that there are other important components like a case. My daughter has been using back pack stile soft cases but it seams like a more substantial case is in order. Need something light enough for her but durable if stepped on. Their orchestra is quite crowded so accidents are bound to happen there or elsewhere Does anyone shop cases via the Internet or EBay or do the same thoughts hold true for violin buying in that you need to go touch one in a store to be sure it is right for you?
crazy jane Posted September 20, 2015 Report Posted September 20, 2015 I've PM'd you. Generally, for accessories, I have appreciated Johnson Strings' selection , prices, and service. They often have promotional sales, too.
Rue Posted September 20, 2015 Report Posted September 20, 2015 I think you can order a case on-line...but it sure helps seeing them in real life. My newish case is great...it has all the features I wanted...but...one of the 4 bow holders is useless because it is too short. Easier to notice this stuff "live".
Ron MacDonald Posted September 20, 2015 Report Posted September 20, 2015 Have you tried putting the upper bows in the case with hair on top?
mathieu valde Posted September 24, 2015 Report Posted September 24, 2015 Maybe that one is with good reputation? even slightly anonymous certificate you can get for free ! http://www.ebay.de/itm/Alte-ca-300-J-alte-ITALIENISCHE-Geige-von-Uroma-Zettel-MANTEGATIA-violin-viola-/291566574041?hash=item43e2b8d9d9
jacobsaunders Posted September 24, 2015 Report Posted September 24, 2015 Maybe that one is with good reputation? even slightly anonymous certificate you can get for free ! http://www.ebay.de/itm/Alte-ca-300-J-alte-ITALIENISCHE-Geige-von-Uroma-Zettel-MANTEGATIA-violin-viola-/291566574041?hash=item43e2b8d9d9 We ignored that one already http://www.maestronet.com/forum/index.php?/topic/333288-what-to-do-about-this/?p=695127
victordriver Posted September 25, 2015 Report Posted September 25, 2015 Hello Tara, I can't speak for the market in the USA but in the UK you can buy perfectly decent cases off the internet. MN members shoot me down but in my experience your daughters violin will mostly be in danger outside of its case.
Violadamore Posted September 26, 2015 Report Posted September 26, 2015 Now that our full size purchase is in the near future it is dawning on me that there are other important components like a case. My daughter has been using back pack stile soft cases but it seams like a more substantial case is in order. Need something light enough for her but durable if stepped on. Their orchestra is quite crowded so accidents are bound to happen there or elsewhere Does anyone shop cases via the Internet or EBay or do the same thoughts hold true for violin buying in that you need to go touch one in a store to be sure it is right for you? In nylon canvas covered slingable hardwall cases, Bobelock (Howard Core) cases are good, Sky with the plywood in it is is acceptable and cheap, Gewa is pricey but good, and very well known (funny, their screws rust and the others don't). I own examples of all of these and use them in the order Bobelock, Sky, Gewa, depending on how many violins I'm carrying. eBay has or had large and boxy plywood/aluminum Halliburton-style cases for ridiculously low prices which I got several of when they were available and sell my resurrectees with.
tara81662l Posted October 3, 2015 Author Report Posted October 3, 2015 Greetings All, Time to check in. Well after previewing many violins, it is down to 2 violins for my daughter. One is a Snow. It is predictable, sounds very good although it looks a little odd due to varnishing. The other I just got but it moved to the #2 position is supposed to be an older fiddle. I was hoping I can post some pictures to get your opinions on approximate age, set up, origins, etc. I have the paper that states this info, but honestly, I have learned from labels that it can all be just words on a paper. And with my lack of experience it could have been made in 2014 and I wouldn't know it, so please don't hold back! Now I just have to go and research to see how to show photos. My education never stops!
Rue Posted October 3, 2015 Report Posted October 3, 2015 I love updates! This may (or not) be useful:http://www.maestronet.com/forum/index.php?/topic/333119-how-to-photograph-an-instrument-for-identifcation-purposes/?hl=photograph You have over 10 posts...so you can upload directly from your computer. Or you can copy photos over from a hosting site such as Photobucket...or link to the site. But it's most convenient to see the pictures directly in the post versus having to click to a link (which sometimes has odd photo sizes, etc.).
tara81662l Posted October 3, 2015 Author Report Posted October 3, 2015 Thanks Rue, Now I am trying to figure out what icon allows me to take them from my computer.
Rue Posted October 3, 2015 Report Posted October 3, 2015 When posting, click on the bottom right "More reply options' ...then look to the bottom of that page, and you should see an upload button, for images (browse content)...
Rue Posted October 3, 2015 Report Posted October 3, 2015 I just tried to add a screen shot...new technology for me...might not work...
tara81662l Posted October 3, 2015 Author Report Posted October 3, 2015 Here are photos of older fiddle. Please let me know your thoughts, possible age, origin, etc. I thought my photos looked clear until I saw the preview. Oh well. I will post for now and you can let me know your thoughts. Thanks so much! I hope when I push the post button these photos show up! LOL
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