The Danger of Buying a Violin off eBay

Many times, I see violins for sale described on eBay as having no obvious damage by people claiming to have no knowledge of violins. In reality, the photographs of some of these violins on eBay show clear serious damage that would most likely seriously effect the sound of the violin and only get worse.

In the picture below you can see a 3/4 size Maidstone violin that has a serious crack on its back. The thing described as "something rolling around inside" is almost certainly the fact that the sound post has fallen inside, which most likely happened when the back of the violin was damaged.

 Unless you know how to fix a crack on a violin and reset the sound post then this violin would cost hundreds to have a luthier repair it. That would be far in excess of he re-sale value of the instrument. A first class Maidstone 3/4 size violin should never be sold for more than £200. These are Saxony (late 19th century early 20th century lower-end 'factory violins' made for students. Many (and I own several of full and 3/4 size) are very good - certainly better than Stentor violins in my opinion. I recommend them. 

A very well set up and good full size early Maidstone violin (late 19th century model) is certainly capable of taking a student to ABRSM Grade 8 level.



Archived eBay listing Here



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