Violin Identification

Subject: Violin Identification
From: Bert
Date: 19 Jan 06 - 06:33 PM

Ross's Auction House here in Colorado Springs has just acquired a collection of a hundred or more violins.

They haven't decided yet when they are going to auction them but when they do I might go along and see what they are going for.

What does a complete fiddle ignoramus look for in buying a violin?

Subject: RE: Violin Identification
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 19 Jan 06 - 06:59 PM

A expert player or dealer to make ALL DECISIONS FOR the fiddle ig.

Even fairly experienced players can find it difficult to make reliable determinations of the playability of a given instrument, and that's a completely different thing than the marketability ($ value) of one.

If it's a good "collection," and if there's reasonable publicity, it's likely that - after the fact - you can assume that a violin from the sale is worth about 80% of what someone will bid for it. While it's just one opinion, I would suggest that an auction of this kind is NOT the place for a neophyte to find a bargain.

If it's just stock from a music store that didn't particularly specialize in "fine instruments," you might be able to get a decent and playable instrument for a reasonable price; but there's no real reason to get one this way unless you're going to play it.

John

Subject: RE: Violin Identification
From: Bert
Date: 19 Jan 06 - 10:48 PM

Thanks John.

Sometimes stuff goes really cheap at this auction house so I thought it might be an opportuity to get yet another instrument. Last week I bought a $200 window for $25, so my wishful thinking says I might take a look at these fiddles when they come up.

I'll update this thread when I find out the auction date so that any interested 'catters will know.

Subject: RE: lyrics to Dill Pickle Rag
From: GUEST,Twinn fiddler's mom
Date: 19 Jan 06 - 11:05 PM

I am looking for any lyrics and or tab for fiddle to "Dill Pickle Rag"

Subject: RE: Violin Identification
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Jan 06 - 11:09 PM

And if you see that inside a fiddle, Bert, buy it! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: Violin Identification
From: Pauline L
Date: 20 Jan 06 - 12:13 AM

Don't buy a fiddle at the auction. JohninKansas is completely right. If you want to spend $25 or $50 on a violin and you can't judge the quality, stick to ebay.

Subject: RE: Violin Identification
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jan 06 - 12:18 AM

IF there are any which have a makers name, handwritten, inside, of "Tweedy," by it, or let me know and i'll buy it. If any of them are from WY or CO, they may be one of his. The one i have is a gem; he made it for my dad. Charley and Lavern Tweedy, father and son.

Good luck and nice ta know we're in the same State, again!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Violin Identification
From: Bert
Date: 21 Jan 06 - 08:44 PM

Thanks Kat, I'll definately look for that as soon as they open the case for inspection.

Pauline, I would agree with you under normal circumstances but this appears to be a private collection (each one different) and not just a store that went out of business.

They have at least one Stavanger fiddle there and I might bid on that just for the hell of it.

Subject: RE: Violin Identification
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 22 Jan 06 - 08:29 AM

If You can, take someone along who Knows a bit. Watch out for soundpost and peg hole cracks and find one you like the look of.

Subject: RE: Violin Identification
From: Mark Ross
Date: 22 Jan 06 - 01:05 PM

I picked up a fiddle at the local flea market. It was cheapm needing some work. Stamped inside was HENRY OLSON FEBRUARY 5, 1935.
Utah Phillips told me that he remembered people playing what they said were Henry Olson tunes at jam sessions at Weiser, does anyone out there know anything about Olson?

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Violin Identification
From: Pauline L
Date: 22 Jan 06 - 10:51 PM

The auction could be a good place to buy a pretty fiddle to hang on your wall, but don't count on playing it.