Violin Forum/Message Board

Terry Allan Hall

A few years ago, I inherited my mother's Amati violin and am wanting to have it evaluated for value...I don't play violin and nobody else in our family really does, either (my daughter plays some, but she prefers her Fender electric fiddle)...and I feel like this is entirely too fine an instrument to languish in my closet, unplayed.

So, basically, I'm going to find it a new home, but I'd like to get what it's worth, so I can send my daughter to college, which I know my mother would be pleased about.

Any suggestions as to how to proceed?

Thanking all in advance!

TAH

Shirley · Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 4:15 pm Post subject:

Hi, Terry - It is possible that you have not received a reply just yet because there is universal doubt that you have a true Amati. Not that you might, but a visit to just about any reputable violin shop should quell any doubts.

If you want a true appraisal, ask at one of the shops for a referral. That should put you in touch with a good appraiser.

Even if your violin is not an original Amati, it could still be a very good instrument, and its sale could help at least a bit towards your daughter's education.

Good luck! Shirley

Terry Allan Hall · Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 4:35 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Shirley, but yes, it's very definitely an Amati...possibly some you you may remember my Mother as Maryland Sue Stanley (she performed under her maiden name)...this instrument was authenticated back in 1948, but over the years, the paperwork has been lost, as it didn't come with her violin and other possessions.

My musical endeavors went in a different direction (singer/songwriter/folk-jazz guitarist) than her classical one, and I merely was hoping for someone to point me in the right direction in this matter...one member here was kind enough to PM me about Cadenza Violins, in Plano, so I'll probably run out there next week and have them do an assessment, unless someone has a better suggestion.

BTW, I can understand why my post may have been construed as a scam...lots of "Strats", "Amatis" and other Masterworks out there in the market for the unwary. Wink

Mat Roop · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 12:31 am Post subject:

Try this site to get started... good luck... Mat

Mat Roop · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 12:56 am Post subject:

OOPs... forgot to paste in the link... Mat
http://www.tarisio.com/web/contact_us.php

Andres Sender · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 2:18 pm Post subject:

Go someplace reputable and get a certificate and written valuation before you sell/consign. I can't speak directly to the reputation of the Dallas 'branch', but for a local place the Dallas Beare's seems as good as one could hope to do:

http://www.beares.com/dallas.html

When the time comes to consign or sell it you might consider this shop in Chicago:

www.darntonhersh.com Smile

Jack Rushing · Member Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 170

Terry Allan Hall,

Hi, It would be nice, if you could post a picture of your Amati

for us, before you sell it.

Thank You

Terry Allan Hall · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 11:23 pm Post subject:

mapleleaf_gal · Member Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 73 Location: tucson, az

hello

do you know which amati it was (there was a whole family that made) and what year it is?

i'd be curious to know...
_________________
http://sgwhiteviolins.googlepages.com/home

Andres Sender · Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 7:15 pm Post subject:

I suspect 'which' Amati will prove to be an academic question, as this instrument has the appearance of not having been made by any of them.

mapleleaf_gal · Member Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 73 Location: tucson, az

Becky · Senior Member Joined: 09 Apr 2007 Posts: 83

How does one go about studying how to identify violins? Are there any good books to read or is it something you just learn as you work with the instruments?

Andres Sender · Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 2:00 pm Post subject:

You can learn a lot by studying photos, so long as you are looking for the right things. Of course ultimately real expertise is a result of looking at instruments in person

What to look at and how to look at it is not in any books that I know of, but some very useful comments have been made by knowledgeable people over at Maestronet, where there are a number of threads on identification.

Jack H. · Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 2:47 pm Post subject:

mapleleaf_gal · Member Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 73 Location: tucson, az