Violins are, above all, time-travel machines. Their elaborate architecture means they can easily withstand the ravages of time. What's more, they have been made for almost five centuries, sometimes very intensively. That's why it's not uncommon to find these instruments in collections, family heirlooms or anywhere that might contain antiques. An expert appraisal of a violin enables us to trace its origins, estimate its value and assess its condition.

Request a violin expertise

What is a violin expertise?

First of all, it's important to understand that violin expertise can take many forms. These will depend on the case, and of course on the objective you set yourself. For example:

• Expertise of the age and origin, or signature of a violin: This is what we usually think of when the word "expertise" is used. The aim is generally to obtain a certificate so as to be able to attest to the value as well as to be able to resell it with the necessary supporting documents. Anyone could sign such documents, however there are only a few experts in the world who will have enough credibility to provide a truly valid certificate. This will depend on their knowledge(some are specialized in a particular region, era or school), so you should be cautious before spending money on a worthless certificate.
• Violin appraisal: This appraisal, which is usually accompanied by an estimate, is in fact a complete investigation into the health of a violin. After a rigorous analysis of the instrument's every detail, it is possible to determine the operations required to restore an instrument or achieve a particular sound objective. These various diagnoses can also be very useful as evidence for the first type of expertise I mentioned above.
• Counter-expertise: Counter-expertise is a verification process. It provides a second, external and neutral opinion. Although it is often carried out a posteriori, it is also an effective decision-making aid.

Violin appraisal

Estimating the value of a violin is a relatively difficult task, as it involves knowing the state of the market in relation to a large number of criteria:

• The era, because the older it is, the rarer and more expensive it is.
• The geographical origin of the instrument. An instrument will always be more valuable if it is made in Italy, for example, or in one of the other major European lutherie countries.
• The signature is also very important, as the artist who created it will have his or her own rating.
• The condition of the instrument also influences its value. Some damage is more problematic than others, even if it has been repaired.

It's a relatively complex calculation, and will depend on many factors. So don't be surprised if you get widely varying offers.

Details that make a violin lose its value

If you own an old violin. It is important to preserve it as much as possible in order to keep as much of its value as possible:

• Store in a clean, dry place, away from light if possible. Don't forget rapid changes in relative humidity and temperature. If you have the case, it's best to keep it inside, otherwise wrap it as best you can.
• To preserve its authenticity as much as possible, don't try to clean it with anything other than a soft cloth.
• Try to keep as many original parts as possible.
• If the strings are missing, remove the tailpiece or prevent it from rubbing against the varnish.

If you need further advice, I can provide you with a quotation for your instrument.

You can contact me using the form at the bottom of the page.

Selling a violin

If you ownan antique violin, chances are it's worth something. Of course, in some cases the value may not be that great. Perhaps only a few dozen euros. However, it's also possible that it has unsuspected potential.

In any case, antique violins can be interesting in a violin workshop. That's why I'm offering to buy yours, should you wish to part with it.

The workshop's violin expertise services

I offer to assist you, advise you and share my experience with you. In this way, I hope to be able to reassure you, reassure you or help you decide. Whatever your project with your violin:

• Pre-purchase appraisal
• Pre-sale appraisal
• Advice and decision-making support
• Counter-expertise

Who can carry out an appraisal?

The appraisal of an antique violin is not really a regulated act. That's why you'll find so many experts on the Internet. Yet there are only a few in the world with a solid enough reputation to award a certificate guaranteeing authenticity and therefore value.

So be careful not to fall into the trap of a useless expert's certificate.

Where to turn for reliable expertise:

• To luthiers specializing in the type of instrument you own, whose name and reputation are beyond doubt.
• To auctioneers specializing in quartet instruments.

Lastly, a survey cannot be carried out remotely, and it can take a long time. This is why sending photos of your instruments will serve no purpose other than to give a limited and worthless opinion. To get the right appraisal, be prepared to travel many miles or take a plane.

Assisting you with your expert appraisals

Finding the best expert for your instrument is no easy task. You can find out by doing a little research on the Internet and subscribing to online "expert clubs".

However, I propose to assist you in your choices and procedures so that you can obtain a valid certificate, in line with the origin of your instrument. This will save you a lot of time, trouble and money.