Buying a Violin as an Investment - 7 Tips to Consider

There are many aspects to consider when buying a violin for investment purposes, including the maker, condition and rarity of the instrument.

7 Tips on how to buy a violin as an investment

1. Decide what you want to achieve with your investment. Do you want to make a profit in the future? Or are you looking for an instrument that fits your playing style and sound ideals? Some players value their personal opinion over the potential appreciation of certain instruments. This tension can be difficult to reconcile as the best "investment" might not be your preferred instrument.
2. Ideally, find an instrument that fits your playing, sound style, and body size. This way you'll be more likely to play it regularly and enjoy practising on a violin you truly appreciate.
3. Choose an instrument that is rare and in high demand. Each maker has his/her own market. An established maker with solid demand will command higher prices. This will make it more likely that your violin will appreciate in value over time. This applies to both new and antique instruments.- Make sure the violin is in good condition. While historic repairs are inevitable, especially in older instruments, the value of a violin can vary greatly depending on the type of repair and how well it was executed. Contemporary instruments have an advantage in this regard, as a new violin should be in perfect condition!
4. Research the violin or maker's history and provenance. This will give you a better understanding of how much it may be worth in the future. In the case of contemporary instruments, having a roster of well-known players is important as it will validate the maker from a musician's perspective. Historically, the best performing makers are the ones chosen by the highest-profile players.
5. Have the violin appraised by a qualified expert or sourced from a reputable dealer. This will give you an accurate estimate of its value.
6. If buying an antique violin, it is important to remember that they are not necessarily valuable because of their age. Many factors such as the maker, condition and provenance will affect the price.
7. Ask questions about the instrument. A good dealer will be happy to answer any questions you have and provide information about the violin's history and construction.

Once you have determined that a violin is a worthy investment, the next step is buying it! When buying any expensive item, it is important to do your research to find a reputable dealer. The same holds true for violins; you want to ensure you are buying from a source you can trust.

When buying a violin as an investment, it is important to remember that you are buying more than just an instrument. You are buying a piece of history that can appreciate in value over time. So make sure to do your research and choose an instrument that is both rare and in high demand. And most importantly, always have it appraised by a qualified expert before purchasing.

By following these tips, you can be sure to make a good investment in a beautiful and timeless instrument, however, there is a lot more to this topic and if you would like personalised advice, be sure to contact us and we would be happy to help!

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We believe that contemporary instruments can be a great investment for the future. At MyLuthier, we are proud to offer a wide selection of high-quality contemporary violins, violas and cellos that are perfect for both new and experienced players. Contact us today to learn more about our instruments and how you can invest in a beautiful piece of music history.

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