The sound of a violin is one of the most authentic among stringed musical instruments. Some of the most valued violins are the classical series that featured meticulously hand crafted instruments. They capture passion and authentic sound. Getting a vintage violin is a huge challenge especially with determining its authenticity. How can you distinguish the classical from the modern violins?
Check the label or name of the manufacturer or craftsman. Among the popular classical craftsmen or labels are Amati, Guarneri and Stainer. Their labels and designs were unique and were used to identify instruments. Should an instrument miss one of these classical labels, it needs to be scrutinized further. In fact, some of these classical violins were produced in limited editions. Some of the editions can be accounted for to the last number.
Check the label to establish if an instrument is authentic or not. These details can be seen through the f-hole. The details included are date of manufacture and the brand. The age of label used should also match that of the instrument. It is impossible to have a new label on an antique instrument.
The place of origin or Made in tag will give you an idea. According to the laws before 1914, all imports into US were supposed to include their countries of origin. The labels came with a single name like Czechoslovakia, Italy, Germany, etc. Beyond 1914, there was a requirement to include the word Made in. In 1921, the law demanded that these details be in English. Such details will therefore be a pointer to the dates of manufacture.
To tell the age and quality of violins, check at the quality of varnish. The varnish used on vintage instruments was a quality that never really dried up. It was oil based and easy to detect, compared to what is used today that just evaporates in minutes. Classical instruments have their varnish penetrating deep into the wood. An imitation will display signs of chipping and flakes, which affects the appearance.
If you have any doubt about the quality of your violin, contact an expert to evaluate it before buying. Professionals are very accurate since they have sold violins for years or are maestro violinists. With a second opinion, your fears can be confirmed or dispelled. Where they also doubt, they will direct you on how to deepen your verification.
The shop where you buy the instrument provides a hint of authenticity. Is the store recognized for selling vintage instruments or are you using backdoor vendors? A store that is recognized has a name to protect and will rarely offer a low quality product. Further, in case you verify and realize that you were duped, you can seek recourse since the business is registered.
Consider the quality of other attachments accompanying the instrument. They include the bow and casing. Check on the quality of string and ensure that your bow is not broken. Check on casing and storage to avoid violins that have been damaged by mites or elements like water.
Check the label or name of the manufacturer or craftsman. Among the popular classical craftsmen or labels are Amati, Guarneri and Stainer. Their labels and designs were unique and were used to identify instruments. Should an instrument miss one of these classical labels, it needs to be scrutinized further. In fact, some of these classical violins were produced in limited editions. Some of the editions can be accounted for to the last number.
Check the label to establish if an instrument is authentic or not. These details can be seen through the f-hole. The details included are date of manufacture and the brand. The age of label used should also match that of the instrument. It is impossible to have a new label on an antique instrument.
The place of origin or Made in tag will give you an idea. According to the laws before 1914, all imports into US were supposed to include their countries of origin. The labels came with a single name like Czechoslovakia, Italy, Germany, etc. Beyond 1914, there was a requirement to include the word Made in. In 1921, the law demanded that these details be in English. Such details will therefore be a pointer to the dates of manufacture.
To tell the age and quality of violins, check at the quality of varnish. The varnish used on vintage instruments was a quality that never really dried up. It was oil based and easy to detect, compared to what is used today that just evaporates in minutes. Classical instruments have their varnish penetrating deep into the wood. An imitation will display signs of chipping and flakes, which affects the appearance.
If you have any doubt about the quality of your violin, contact an expert to evaluate it before buying. Professionals are very accurate since they have sold violins for years or are maestro violinists. With a second opinion, your fears can be confirmed or dispelled. Where they also doubt, they will direct you on how to deepen your verification.
The shop where you buy the instrument provides a hint of authenticity. Is the store recognized for selling vintage instruments or are you using backdoor vendors? A store that is recognized has a name to protect and will rarely offer a low quality product. Further, in case you verify and realize that you were duped, you can seek recourse since the business is registered.
Consider the quality of other attachments accompanying the instrument. They include the bow and casing. Check on the quality of string and ensure that your bow is not broken. Check on casing and storage to avoid violins that have been damaged by mites or elements like water.
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