Chinese violin by Song Information request

July 24, 2011 at 06:12 PM ·

lucky man! - i think you did good!  they look like lovely instruments.  no matter what, you've got a bargain.

July 24, 2011 at 07:56 PM ·

 I bought 2 - a baroque style 5 string and a viola d'amore both I paid around $60 for plus the shipping. I had no problems, they came quickly and the quality was amazing for that money.

July 25, 2011 at 01:16 AM ·

I always buy from melody-with-violin (ebay) they sell superb instruments at such low price. I am really happy with all my purchases from them, besides they give great description about the violin and sound.

I have heard in US you just have to pay taxes when the value with shipping is above 400 or 500$ but don't know veracity of this statment.

In EU you have to pay your country VAT and If the value is superior to 150€ and inferior to 1000€ then you will have to pay an additional custom tax for acoustic violins (3,2%).

E.G

VAT = 23%   Violin Price = 151€   custom tax = 3,2%

(0,23+0,032) * 151 = 39,562€

If you live near the custom go pick it by yourself or you can end up paying another 30€-100€ to carriers.

July 25, 2011 at 02:02 AM ·

If I might give a little advice, buy from a well-known and reliable domestic retailer, even if it initially costs double. Chances are, they've already sorted through the junk, and absorbed the hard knocks, and you'll avoid the grief and expenses that $100 less up front won't begin to cover. If there ends up being a problem anyway, they are more likely to cover it.

I don't sell low-end stuff, so I have no dog in this fight. Just trying to help out.

July 25, 2011 at 04:57 PM ·

As usual, David definitely has a way with words.  Occam's razor applied! Complimenti.

July 28, 2011 at 12:30 AM ·

Yitamusic on ebay has great instruments for a great price. I have a violin and a viola made by them and am very happy for what I paid.

John

July 29, 2011 at 01:06 AM ·

Thanks to everyone that responded, just found out that the violin has just been released by customs and should be delivered soon.  Amazing how long it takes to get here from Chicago(which is only 120 miles).  I will find out what my idiot bid really sounds like.  Could I be lucky enough to have a good sound.  What are the odds.   Still have the Luthier standing by, still has that smile on his face.  Probably a good thing he is a friend.

July 29, 2011 at 10:13 PM ·

Well, it  finally came in,  Customs had the paperwork screwed up, had it coming from Korea and for to much money.  Sounds like typical goverment at work.   Took it to the Luthier and found that it was much better than he suspected.  Fingerboard/neck correct, bridge height correct,  pegs not so good on set up but a bit of peg stuff  took care of that.  Bow very typical low end bow. Strings, he thinks  like they sounded like fence wire. ( Didn;'t change they yet.).  He finally said that someone there knew what they were doing as all his measuring found them to be correct..  Pointed out that finish was not done well but it still looks good.  Guess I didn't know what he expected to see.

All in all,  he suggested that I could probably sell it for 2-250 range.   It must have been worth the gamble.  I believe my luck has been used up. 

July 29, 2011 at 10:38 PM ·

bravo! - well done - long life to you both!