Introduction: The Enduring Mystery of the Old Violin Why does an old violin cost more than a new one? To non-musicians, this seems counterintuitive — most objects depreciate with age. Yet in the violin world, instruments made three hundred years ago by Cremonese masters command prices in the tens of millions, while even modest antique […]

Introduction: Why Violin Valuation Is a Specialist Skill Few consumer objects are as difficult to value accurately as a fine violin. Unlike most antiques and collectibles, where provenance documentation and maker attribution are relatively straightforward, the violin market is characterised by frequent misattribution, sophisticated forgeries, condition variables that profoundly affect value, and a specialised auction […]

Introduction: Accessories That Make a Real Difference A violin alone is only part of the picture. The accessories that surround it — the shoulder rest that makes playing comfortable, the tuner that keeps intonation accurate, the rosin that makes the bow sing, the case that keeps the instrument safe — collectively have a significant impact […]

Introduction: Choosing Between the String Family The orchestral string family — violin, viola, cello, and double bass — produces some of music’s most beautiful and expressive sounds, and the choice between them is one of the most significant musical decisions a beginner or their parent can make. Each instrument has a distinct voice, a different […]