When inspecting any vintage instrument, there are many different things to consider. Although the complexity of these things will vary depending on the type and age of the instrument, it's important to always consider the fact that every instrument has been subjected to different environments and levels of care. Wood is always fluctuating, and the older the instrument the more possibility for incidents to have happened throughout its life.
Instruments with strong character
So, why would someone want an older instrument? There are many reasons musicians prefer the old to the new. Throughout the years some of the best makers have come and gone, producing some truly superior sounding instruments. With the combination of the maturing wood over time and high quality craftsmanship, an older instrument can often produce sound quality and different characteristics that are noticeable to both the trained and untrained ear.
Musicians also often enjoy the history behind each piece. The incredible stories and different origins of each instrument can be fascinating, and playing their own piece of history is something that is treasured by many musicians today.
Violin history
Violins in particular have some of the richest history to them. Various forms of ancient bowed viols (early string instruments) were the ancestors of the modern violin family. The invention of the modern violin family occurred in Italy around 1550-1560, and for more than 450 years they have remained very traditional without many changes. Some of these early violins still survive today! Great names like the Amati family, Stainer, Stradivari, Guarneri, Gagliano, Guadagnini, Vuillaume, Lupot, Lott, and many more, represent the fine art of the violin family over its history. The violin's popularity spread to other areas of the world such as France, Germany, the region of Bohemia, Hungary, England, America and lately, China.
What types of things affect how an instrument sounds? Different sound qualities are produced by a delicate balance of tension and strength makes string instruments work.
Functionality revolves around pattern, arching, plate thickness of top and back and setup
Wood is always fluctuating and subject to external influences
Outline pattern and curves of top and back changes shape of air cavity in the instrument, which changes sound, volume, and response
Varying thicknesses in different places on the plates affect how the violin vibrates and flexes
Bridge conducts sound from the vibrating strings to the top, activating the back as it travels through the soundpost
Soundpost on the inside connects top and back, and needs regular adjustment to conduct sound properly as the wood shrinks and swells in seasonal change.
Our selection process
Just like their rich history, the process of choosing any instrument can be very complex. Our desire and objective is to find a match between a player of any level and the instrument that best meets their needs. These needs are to have a healthy, stable, comfortably playable instrument that functions at its maximum capability, so students and professionals alike can enjoy the experience of making music.
Some of the many things we carefully inspect about every violin before it goes out the door are:
The instrument best meets the needs of the musician at any budget level
The body is solid and repairs are good
Strings are at proper height and angle
Soundpost fits and is well-adjusted
Instrument responds well to finger and bow pressure
All fittings are good materials and well-made
Bow is straight from side to side with good camber (vertical downward bend)
Strings and bow hair are in good repair and regularly replaced
Music is our passion, and we are dedicated to all aspects of its craft. From searching for vintage instruments that can be repaired and given new life to sourcing some of the finest new instruments being produced today, our goal is for each person to love their instruments as much as we do.
Rentals and rent to own programs.
Whether you are not quite ready to make an instrument purchase or are looking for something with certain characteristics, we also offer rentals and rent to own programs. We believe that musicians of all levels should love the instrument they play. For more information on these programs, please call or email to inquire.
Our inventory
Although our inventory is always changing, the list below is an example of some of the instruments that we carry. Please inquire for more details on what is currently in stock.