Musical Instruments & Bows

Fine musical instruments, and particularly string instruments, increase in value over time. A tool of work for a musician, a well-crafted instrument is also a work of art and a “living” object, with its own voice and history. Several factors can influence the valuation of an instrument or bow: its nature (for the same maker, the value of a violin can indeed be significantly different from that of a viola or a cello), its age, its maker and the specifics of craftsmanship linking it to a particular period (a great luthier may, for example, have several distinct production periods and a “golden age”), the identification of a school or geographical region, the materials used, its condition, its provenance, or even its acoustic qualities. Instruments from the workshops of famous makers or those that have belonged to great musicians often achieve excellent results at auctions and see their value and price grow considerably over the years, sometimes reaching record prices and proving to be excellent investments hotly contested by investors and collectors. Stradivarius, Guarnerius, Vuillaume, Tourte, Peccate—these names reach the highest bids in auction rooms and are the stuff of dreams for musicians and collectors. However, there are also many fine instruments made by talented, lesser-known luthiers or bow makers that enjoy a strong market reputation and are likely to appeal to both amateurs and professionals. Perhaps you are currently in possession of a musical instrument whose value you would like to know, or one you wish to sell? Your instrument may have significant market value but also remarkable sound qualities, which could support a musician in their development or quest for an ideal. We offer to provide a free appraisal of your item and guide you through the process to achieve the best possible sale. Before your appointment, we invite you to send us high-quality photos of your instrument via email. We require clear visuals, including several details. Additionally, certain angles are essential. For example, for a violin, you should photograph the scroll, back, top, and f-holes. For a bow, we need photos of the head and frog.

During their years of practice and depending on their level, a musician encounters many instruments and seeks the “instrument of a lifetime”—the companion with whom a sometimes mysterious yet profound connection occurs, one whose specific qualities align perfectly with their playing style, criteria, requirements, and sound ideal. To facilitate this process, we organize exhibitions to allow buyers to play the instruments. This approach offers several benefits. Potential buyers can assess the condition of the instrument, particularly its playability, sound, and physical state, which is crucial for making a confident purchasing decision. The opportunity to test the instrument builds trust with buyers, as they can ensure it meets their expectations in terms of quality and performance. Musicians can evaluate how the instrument suits their playing style and preferences, which is vital for instruments like guitars or violins. Testing an instrument can create a stronger emotional connection between the musician and the instrument, which is invaluable. The possibility of testing also encourages more potential buyers to participate in the auction, which can stimulate competition and increase the sale price.

You can share your buying or selling project with our department head, who will present you with the instruments available for immediate purchase or explain the specific conditions related to these transactions. The decision to buy or sell through a private or direct sale depends on individual needs and preferences, as well as the specific nature of the musical instrument in question. Private or direct sales allow for more flexible negotiations. They are advantageous for transactions involving rare or high-value instruments. This process of buying or selling is discreet and confidential, thus preserving the privacy of the parties involved.