For anyone who loves music, the violin is a beautiful instrument that has been around for centuries. Though the modern violin has only been around since the 16th century, there are still many different types of violins that can be played.
One type of violin that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the vintage violin. But what exactly is a vintage violin, and how are they different? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Are Old Violins So Valuable?
Many factors contribute to the value of an old violin:
- First, there is the age of the instrument. Older violins are typically made with higher-quality wood than newer ones, and they often have intricate inlays and carvings.
- Furthermore, the varnish on old violins tends to be darker and more lustrous than on newer instruments.
- In addition, old violins often have a more powerful and rich sound than their newer counterparts. This is due in part to the fact that the wood of an old violin has had time to settle and mature.
- Finally, old violins often have a great deal of sentimental value. They may have been passed down through generations of musicians or have belonged to famous players.
Regardless of the reason, all of these factors contribute to the high value of old violins.
Whether you choose a vintage violin or not, there’s no question about it – knowing how to properly play the violin is your first step to becoming an expert violinist. Sign up for violin lessons today and check out the many benefits of doing so by watching this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIlVa vH1
How Do I Identify an Antique Violin?
Want to know how to identify a vintage violin? Look no further.
A vintage violin is simply a violin that was made at least 100 years ago. These violins are typically made with higher quality materials and craftsmanship than their more modern counterparts, which is one reason why they can be so expensive. Many people believe that vintage violins have a richer, fuller sound than newer ones as well.
There are several key ways in which vintage violins differ from newer models. For one thing, as we mentioned before, they are usually made with better materials and craftsmanship. This means that they are typically more durable and have a longer lifespan.
Additionally, vintage violins often have unique markings or features that make them stand out from the crowd. Finally, because they are so rare, vintage violins can be quite expensive—sometimes selling for tens of thousands of dollars!
Signs of a Vintage Violin
There are several ways to tell if a violin is an antique. One way is to look at the materials it is made from. If the majority of the parts are made from solid woods like spruce and maple, then it is likely that the violin is quite old. Newer violins tend to be made with cheaper laminated woods, which sound less full and rich than solid wood instruments. Also, check to see if any of the hardware (strings, chin rest, etc) are made from Ivory—this was common in older violins but not so much anymore due to ivory being more expensive and difficult to come by.
Another way to tell if a violin is old is by its label. Most new violins will have a label inside them with the maker’s name, date, and place of manufacture. If there is no label, or the label is blank, this could be a sign that the violin was made before 1900 when labels weren’t commonly used. You can also try looking up the maker’s name online—if there is little information about them or their work, this could mean they were working before reliable record keeping began.
Finally, take a good listen to the instrument. Does it have a mellow tone? Older violins tend to have what’s called “patina”—a thin layer of varnish that builds up over time and gives the instrument a darker color. This varnish also affects the sound of the violin, making it mellower than newer instruments. Of course, this takes practice and experience to really notice the difference in sound.
Are Vintage Violins Worth Anything?
The violin is a centuries-old instrument that has been used by some of the most famous musicians in history. Early violins were handcrafted by skilled artisans, and each one was unique. Over time, the violin has evolved, but the handmade instruments from the early days are still highly prized by collectors.
The value of a vintage violin depends on a number of factors, including its age, provenance, and condition. The oldest violins are the most valuable, but even a relatively new instrument can be worth a lot of money if it has an interesting history or was made by a renowned builder.
In recent years, the market for vintage violins has exploded, with some instruments selling for millions of dollars at auction. This increase in popularity has led to a corresponding increase in prices, making it more difficult for buyers to find a bargain.
Vintage Violins: What to Look For
I am often asked if my violin is an antique or a vintage violin. Well, first of all, let’s define exactly what is antique or vintage. These seemingly nebulous terms do, in fact, have more precise definitions. An antique dealer, as well as the U.S. Customs Service, will tell you that the item must be at least 100 years old to be considered an antique. So today, an antique violin would have to have been made in 1921 or earlier. The word vintage is slightly more subjective though. The word itself literally means “of age”. However, if we talk to our antique dealer again, he will tell you that the vintage violin or other object really needs to be about 40 years or older. In other words, it would have to be made around 1981 or as far back as 1921 when it then becomes an antique.
Personal Experience With Vintage Violins
My own violin was made in France by Didier Nicolas around 1820, so it is most definitely an antique by these definitions. Many of the great violin makers we are familiar with such as Amati, Guarneri and, of course, Stradivarius were making their instruments over 300 years ago. In fact, Stradivarius’ “Golden Period”, when most of his best work was done, was between 1700-1725. There are over 600 Stradivarius instruments still in existence today and generally considered by most to be the finest ever made.
While there is no doubt that Stradivarius may represent the epitome of violin perfection, are they truly different and so much better than a modern violin? An article in the New York Times some years ago said that “Sure, there are excellent modern violins, but convention has it that the sound of a $50,000 modern instrument cannot compare to the magic of a Stradivarius worth millions.”
I had the pleasure of playing one such violin, The Windsor-Weinstein Strad made in 1717; a wonderful instrument with a glorious tone quality. This violin is valued around $6,000,000 and is certainly the greatest violin I have ever played. It is interesting to note that many believe Stradivarius had a secret ingredient in his varnish which helped to produce the beautiful tone. Some research has been done using modern scientific technology, and we now know that in fact there was no secret ingredient; he was simply a master at using ingredients available to all.
The Old Vs. New Violin Debate & a Fascinating Experiment
The debate about old versus new has been raging for decades, and many tests have been done to try to determine if there is truly a significant difference between the million dollar Strads and modern violins. One such test took place in Paris, France in 2014. 10 professional violinists were blindfolded and asked to play 12 different violins split evenly between old and new and the test included 5 Stradivarius violins and a Guarneri del Gesu from 1740.
They all played every instrument firstly in a small rehearsal room. Then, the same players evaluated the same instruments in a concert hall and then finally played them again with full orchestral accompaniment. There was a small audience made up of violin makers, other musicians and critics. Each soloist had been asked to imagine they had to replace their own violin and were about to head off on a concert tour. The results were quite surprising. Six of them actually chose new, modern violins over the old masters. In fact, as a group, they did no better than simple pot luck when picking old from new. Interestingly, most of them felt that it was the new violins that were more immediately playable.
Violin Maker
It’s also important to look at who made the violin. Not all makers are created equal, and some are more sought-after than others. Stradivari, for example, is considered one of the best violin makers in history. His instruments are highly sought-after and can command high prices.
Age and Condition
The age of the violin is important, but it’s not everything. Just because an instrument is old doesn’t mean it’s valuable or even playable. You need to take into account the condition of the violin as well.
The condition of the violin is key. You want to look for any cracks or chips in the wood, as well as signs of wear and tear. These can all affect the sound and playability of the instrument.
Make sure you have a qualified appraiser take a look at the violin before you buy it. This will help ensure that you’re paying a fair price for the instrument.
Where to Find Vintage Violins for Sale
If you’re in the market for a vintage violin, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Second, you need to be sure that the instrument is in good condition. And third, you’ll want to find a reputable dealer who can offer you a fair price.
With that said, here are a few of the best places to find vintage violins for sale.
- Antique shops
- Estate sales
- Online auction sites
- Specialist dealers
- Music shops
When it comes to buying a vintage violin, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, make sure you know what you’re looking for. Second, be sure that the instrument is in good condition. And third, find a reputable dealer who can offer you a fair price. With that said, the best places to find vintage violins for sale include antique shops, estate sales, online auction sites, specialist dealers, and music shops.
What About Other Accessories, Like a Vintage Violin Bow?
If you’re an avid violinist, you know that having a good quality bow is essential to playing your best. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. Should you buy a new bow? Or would a vintage violin bow be a better option to go with your vintage violin?
There are several benefits to buying a vintage violin bow. First, vintage bows are often made with higher quality materials than their modern counterparts. This means they’re more durable and less likely to break or warp over time. Additionally, because they’re not mass-produced, each vintage bow is unique, which can give your playing a more personal touch. And lastly, vintage bows often have a Patina, or natural wear and tear that gives them character and makes them visually appealing.
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to consider before buying a vintage violin bow. First of all, they can be quite expensive, especially if they’re made by a well-known maker.
Additionally, because they’re not mass-produced, it can be difficult to find one that’s the right size and shape for your instrument. And finally, because they’re older, they may not work with certain types of strings or rosin.
Is a Vintage Violin Right for You?
Of course, tests like this that weigh the sound of a vintage violin against the sound of a newer model are not new and certainly not infallible. Some of the players suggested that this type of test cannot take into account the months it may take for a violin and player to acclimatize to each other. There was also a suggestion that perhaps some of the old violins were not top quality. On the other hand, perhaps it also suggests that modern day violin makers may be just as skilled as the great masters such as Stradivarius and Guarneri.
So, what is the final word on this subject? In truth, there is no final word and the debate will continue to rage on. My guess is that most violinists still favor the belief that the old masters are the greatest. After all, I haven’t heard of any great soloist who is planning on trading in his or her Strad or Guarneri for a modern violin.
While there are some definite benefits to playing a vintage violin, such as superior quality and sound, there are also some drawbacks to consider as well—namely, their high cost and rarity.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a vintage violin is one that only you can make. However, we hope that this article has given you a better understanding of what these special instruments are and how they differ from their more modern counterparts. Thanks for reading!
Steve Merson