Very good and thorough video. I worked in violin shops my whole life and played/did the whole music conservatory thing. Also helped quite a bit of people pick out instruments, both friends and clients. Like you point out, one of the biggest things problems is people go to buy a professional level instrument and all the sudden they think they’re an expert investor. Actually no. It takes so much time in the violin market to really get a grip on prices and particular instruments appreciating in the market. Players really can’t be a good judge of it unless you’ve got friends/professionals to educate you. For players, the BEST thing you can do for yourself when picking out an expensive instrument is to pick out the one you love the most. These are highly illiquid assets that you will lose tons of money on if you can’t afford to hold on to it to find the right buyer. This is why auctions are so lucrative. As long as you’ve compared it along other instruments in the same price category and you’re working with TRUSTWORTHY professionals, you should be fine. That being said, if you know exactly what you want (great example in your case), like a Testore violin then definitely go to an auction. Or if you’re not picky and want a bargain, then go to an auction because you might get lucky and get a killer price. I have a friend who bought a really killer no-name violin bow at the Vichy auction in France for about 5K euros. Turned out to be a freaking Xavier Tourte when he went to go get it certified in NYC.
Thank you so much for this review!! I have a funny story with this: A couple Christmas Times ago, my dad was curious about how bidding works on these sites, specifically Tariso. With that said, he accidentally purchased me my second nice violin as a Christmas Gift, which is a 1960s Gustav August Flicker from I believe the T2 section of that auction house!😂😂
Very informative, when I buy at the auctions I have the same checklist as you do, but I also consider the period in the maker's working life the instrument or bow was made at. A lot of makers if not all have a better or golden period in their careers when they made better products than all their other periods say their student or old years. These golden period products will always command a higher price than other periods and subsequently will appreciate more within a given makers' output. For example, reddish Sartory bows are considered better and higher in value than darker ones because they were made in a better period in the makers' life. BTW my Sartory is a reddish one. I didn't know at the time. I guess, Beginners luck.
Do you think a a 5k usd instrument instrument is good enough to play in major symphony orchestras? I'm thinking of upgrading soon, but i cant afford to spend $30k on one. Or would it just make more sense for me to save for years and wait?
So sorry to give you a bad news but In my opinion, Nice professional violin I would say start at the lowest 10k or 15k, if you are lucky to find a good one at that price. I am not sure if for 5k you even can get a fully hand made violin “ bench made violin “ that is made from A to Z by one maker. I am afraid it might not be possible.
@@Violinista Thank you for the advice! I was afraid that was the case. At the 10- 15k range would you say to go look at contemporary made violins or older/antiques?
No, I didn’t. I had others to play, I was gambling my future retirement. Few of the instruments came from Europe so it was nearly impossible for me to go and check.
Hi. I am a fan of your channel. I hope you would give me a shoutout in one of your videos because I'm doing a youtube channel for playing violin for beginners and intermediates. Thanks.
This is The best instructions for begginers I can find on youtube
Very good and thorough video. I worked in violin shops my whole life and played/did the whole music conservatory thing. Also helped quite a bit of people pick out instruments, both friends and clients. Like you point out, one of the biggest things problems is people go to buy a professional level instrument and all the sudden they think they’re an expert investor. Actually no. It takes so much time in the violin market to really get a grip on prices and particular instruments appreciating in the market. Players really can’t be a good judge of it unless you’ve got friends/professionals to educate you. For players, the BEST thing you can do for yourself when picking out an expensive instrument is to pick out the one you love the most. These are highly illiquid assets that you will lose tons of money on if you can’t afford to hold on to it to find the right buyer. This is why auctions are so lucrative. As long as you’ve compared it along other instruments in the same price category and you’re working with TRUSTWORTHY professionals, you should be fine.
That being said, if you know exactly what you want (great example in your case), like a Testore violin then definitely go to an auction. Or if you’re not picky and want a bargain, then go to an auction because you might get lucky and get a killer price. I have a friend who bought a really killer no-name violin bow at the Vichy auction in France for about 5K euros. Turned out to be a freaking Xavier Tourte when he went to go get it certified in NYC.
This video is so important .I hope many young musicians are going to see it.Thank you for the honestly shared information.
Thank you for watching 😊
Thank you so much for this review!! I have a funny story with this:
A couple Christmas Times ago, my dad was curious about how bidding works on these sites, specifically Tariso. With that said, he accidentally purchased me my second nice violin as a Christmas Gift, which is a 1960s Gustav August Flicker from I believe the T2 section of that auction house!😂😂
That is awesome!
Very informative, when I buy at the auctions I have the same checklist as you do, but I also consider the period in the maker's working life the instrument or bow was made at. A lot of makers if not all have a better or golden period in their careers when they made better products than all their other periods say their student or old years. These golden period products will always command a higher price than other periods and subsequently will appreciate more within a given makers' output. For example, reddish Sartory bows are considered better and higher in value than darker ones because they were made in a better period in the makers' life.
BTW my Sartory is a reddish one. I didn't know at the time. I guess, Beginners luck.
Good point
very helpful. thank you very much
omg thank you! Such a good topic!
Hope it helps!
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎻
Do you think a a 5k usd instrument instrument is good enough to play in major symphony orchestras? I'm thinking of upgrading soon, but i cant afford to spend $30k on one. Or would it just make more sense for me to save for years and wait?
So sorry to give you a bad news but In my opinion, Nice professional violin I would say start at the lowest 10k or 15k, if you are lucky to find a good one at that price. I am not sure if for 5k you even can get a fully hand made violin “ bench made violin “ that is made from A to Z by one maker. I am afraid it might not be possible.
@@Violinista Thank you for the advice! I was afraid that was the case. At the 10- 15k range would you say to go look at contemporary made violins or older/antiques?
did you get play your instrument before you payed for it?
No, I didn’t. I had others to play, I was gambling my future retirement. Few of the instruments came from Europe so it was nearly impossible for me to go and check.
Hi. I am a fan of your channel. I hope you would give me a shoutout in one of your videos because I'm doing a youtube channel for playing violin for beginners and intermediates. Thanks.