Antique Violins
An 18th century German violin
Instruments of the violin family, to include the violin, viola, & cello, especially antique ones (to include the many other wooden instruments), are quite simply just precious. It is part of the reason this adventure was started - for love of the violin, and the beautiful sound that arises from wood aged hundreds of years old. Each antique violin I have ever played has had a unique, appealing, mature sound - especially those that were hand-crafted with great passion and care. Like wine, violins mature with age.
Antique violins are highly sought after amongst violinists and can be extremely valuable. Their value varies from well, not very much money at all, to millions. Often an antique violin's value will be very high because both wealthy collectors and players seek them. However, please keep in mind that just because a violin is an antique, it does not mean it is superior in value or sound in comparison with a newer violin, and vice versa. Each violin's value or quality depends on a lot of factors. These include the kind of wood used or how long the wood was aged, the experience and skill of the luthier, the rarity and quality of the violin maker's violins, etc. Antique violins also are more likely to need occasional repair, as the wood can be hundreds of years old.
With that said, violins - especially antique violins - are special. They each have a character unique unto their own. Even two violins from the same maker will be different from each other in many aspects. Antique violins hold a special beauty, and simply from a practical and environmental standpoint, it is important to value and cherish an antique instrument for as long as its soul sings.
