Need advice on reputable Violin Appraisers/Dealers in NYC

June 1, 2005 at 11:59 PM · I am going to be in NYC next week and would like to have my violin appraised and possibly take steps to sell it. Any recommendations?

The last info I got from Selmer about 5 years ago indicated that its worth about $5K. I would appreciate any advice on the subject of reputable/kind shops/appraisers. I'd also be interested in feedback regarding whether its a good idea to sell it while I'm there or look into a consignment situation of some sort.

I'm not really comfortable with eBay because I am not a violin dealer and just have this one nice instrument that should be played regularly instead of sitting in my closet.

Replies (4)

Tom Holzman

June 2, 2005 at 12:51 PM · You could go to Morel and Gradoux-Matt. They are probably the gold standard in NYC.

Michael Darnton

June 2, 2005 at 01:17 PM · The key to successfully selling something is to deal with a shop that carries stuff in that price range. They are more competent at assigning values (more expensive shops are usually totally out of touch regarding sales prices of things in the 5K range, since they--intentionally--never see them, as much as possible), and you want to sell through a shop with the bulk of their customers in the price range of your violin. For these reasons, I recommend you try a smaller shop that doesn't do ultra high-end business. New York is full of them. Just one such shop would be Gregory Singer Fine Violins Inc,

212 West 71th.

deAnna Anderson

June 3, 2005 at 04:42 AM · Thanks you guys! Very helpful information. I will check out those resources.

Bill Townsend

June 4, 2005 at 04:45 AM · Call Michael Selman at J&A Beare at 214-521-6778. Tell him Bill Townsend recommended you contact him. He'll take good care of you.

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