« Playing the violin at a high level naturally led me to become interested in beautiful musical instruments and the fascinating world of stringed instrument making. Driven by the desire to share, I always want to know about the instruments’ origin and history as well as the lives of the people who loved them. An instrument is not only a work of art but also a means of expression, an extension of the musician’s body. This requires advice adapted to the moment of acquiring or parting with it. »

— Hector Chemelle

The department

For ten years Aguttes has coordinated sales featuring the know-how of the world’s best stringed instrument makers. The stars are always violins, cellos, double basses, guitars and bows, whose resonance attests to their makers’ outstanding craftsmanship. Paris, an essential art and music market, is an exceptional showcase for carefully selected instruments.

Guarneri, Stradivarius and Vuillaume violins are the most sought-after instruments by collectors for their prestige. They reach records at Aguttes: a Guarneri “del Gesù” fetched 3.3 million euros and a c. 1775 Trianon guitar 78,000 euros.

The house, which brings together a wide community of buyers, virtuosos, instrument makers, collectors, and music lovers, is opening a music department that will feature quartet instruments led by Paris Conservatory violinist Hector Chemelle.

Ask for a free, confidential estimate

Before entrusting us with your instrument or bow for sale, please send us photographs of the body, the back, the top and the F-holes for an instrument, the scroll, and the frog for a bow, preferably in natural light on a neutral background. To do this, have a look at the guide below. These pictures are as essential for estimating your property as the description, measurements, provenance, condition, certificates, signatures, and labels.

Photographs to send for an estimate

If a physical examination of your instrument is necessary, we can arrange an appointment and talk over the opportunity of including it in one of our sales. You can meet us in Neuilly-sur-Seine during our expertise days or in our representative offices. We can also come to your home by appointment.

Worth knowing: Our musical instrument department holds two auctions a year in Paris. They follow the calendar of the major events dedicated to music and musicians.

Our specialist is available to estimate your stringed instruments and bows and give you professional expertise as well as sales or investment advice. Discover our auction schedule and offices

Aguttes has a unique communication strike force and provides sellers with modern, targeted tools for effective international distribution. We pay particular attention to the design and content of both the paper and digital sales catalogues. We mobilize our portfolio of buyers in all specialties and identified potential buyers for our campaigns. We communicate with them through several channels: on and off-line advertising, social media, e-mailings, media, influencers, auction platforms with adapted and quality supports, image, text and video…