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18 Mar 01 - 08:43 PM (#420636) Subject: How to get an amateur luthier to sell ? From: Sorcha I need a little help, here. I played a violin "in the white" this afternoon that I need to own!! There are some things I would change (E string, bridge height/arc, chin rest) but this one really called to me.
The man who built it is definitely an amateur, but this is about his 25th or so violin. I joshed him about it, saying stuff like "I'm in love!" and "What would I have to hock to take her home?" and "Do you lock your doors?" to which he just grinned and acted bashful.
When the session was over, I cornered him and told him I was serious and that I would write him a check for $1,000.00 on the spot. And that was just my first offer......He just sort of hung his head and said, Now, if it's an emotional thing, like he can't sell his babies, I understand that. Thing is, I don't think that's it. I really think that he does not believe his violins are worth anything, so how can I get him to listen to, believe me, and sell? |
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18 Mar 01 - 09:02 PM (#420643) Subject: RE: How to get an amateur luthier to sell ? From: katlaughing What has he done with the other 23? Sold them, given them away? Will he let you borrow it for a tryout, see how good you are with it and then talk "turkey?" Just some thoughts...good luck, it sounds great! |
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18 Mar 01 - 09:05 PM (#420647) Subject: RE: How to get an amateur luthier to sell ? From: Sorcha He has some, both his daughters play and have some......I guess he has a whole house full. He's never sold one tho.(I don't want to borrow it in the white---it would get unremovable grease stains, etc. on it) If I am going to own it, tho, I would like some input on stain and finishes. I HATE red violins........ |
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18 Mar 01 - 09:51 PM (#420660) Subject: RE: How to get an amateur luthier to sell ? From: Malcolm Douglas Plain varnish is best. Go for it, Sorcha, but don't embarrass him by offering too much or being too enthusiastic; it looks like he isn't too confident just yet. I'm looking for a new fiddle, too, and I wish I had that kind of problem! Malcolm |
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18 Mar 01 - 10:07 PM (#420666) Subject: RE: How to get an amateur luthier to sell ? From: Sorcha Malcolm, the more I think about it the more I think I did offer too much. The problem is that both of us are in the hinterland of the music world. We can go to pawn shops and there are these violins........
with no strings, no tail piece, no chinrest, no sound post, crack in the top, etc. priced for $50 US. People buy them, cobble the repairs together, and because the label says "Stradavarius", they think they have a Treasure.
I KNOW what good violins cost and it's not $50.00......this one is oversized which is perfect for me because I tend to play sharp anyway. It's still a little "hollow" under my ear, but it's brand new, and I think that would change, if I broke it in. I know he has to have at least $250 US in wood and parts,(let alone labor) and I would feel like a real piker if he took less than $800.........I think I will push gently.......I'm in agony, here. |
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19 Mar 01 - 12:25 AM (#420685) Subject: RE: How to get an amateur luthier to sell ? From: Bert Write the check, give it to him and say PUHLEEEAZE! |
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19 Mar 01 - 12:45 AM (#420692) Subject: RE: How to get an amateur luthier to sell ? From: wysiwyg WINE. Ply him with WINE. STRIP. Lap Dance. Hang around and be a pest. Then if that don't work, steal it; ya got the law on yer side. ~S~ |
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19 Mar 01 - 02:25 AM (#420720) Subject: RE: How to get an amateur luthier to sell ? From: katlaughing This one is going to take patience, Sorcha. From what you have said....he's going to need to feel ready and that will take some time, darlin', BUT she is already singing in your heart and you in hers...he will hear that and be ready. And, it's not about the money...I think I'd hold off on that altogether...let him come to terms and set them out there. If it is a gift, then it comes from the Universe and you know, you do deserve that. luvyakat |
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19 Mar 01 - 07:57 AM (#420771) Subject: RE: How to get an amateur luthier to sell ? From: MMario Let him know you really want the violin. Even if he considers his work to be no value - he should see it holds value to you |
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19 Mar 01 - 08:20 AM (#420777) Subject: RE: How to get an amateur luthier to sell ? From: Gary T I would express that the instrument has a feel that I personally relate to, and that I really would like to own it, and ask him to proffer a selling price. |
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20 Mar 01 - 07:27 AM (#421402) Subject: RE: How to get an amateur luthier to sell ? From: Homeless Sorcha - having made a few instruments myself, but seeing the flaws I made in them, I don't think they are worth anything even tho other people praise them. But because I don't value them, I wouldn't sell them. But I have given them to people who appreciated them. I would suggest that instead of trying to convince him of the violin's value (your opinion vs his, you're not likely to change it), rather try to convey how much you appreciate/desire that particular violin (your opinion vs something he has no opinion on. You're much more likely to persuade him). That takes the question of quality out of the deal, which seems to be where the block is. If it's money itself he is resistant to, propose a barter or something. If it's the selling of the instrument (sometimes it is hard to part with a "baby") he's avoiding, ask if you can rent it from him. Then you'll get to play it, you can pay him for the quality, but he doesn't have to separate with it right away (even tho you'll be the one in possession of it). At some point down the road, when he's gotten used to you having it, suggest rent-to-own, or buying it outright for what you've given him in rental fees. I hope some of this has given you an idea on how you might get the thing. |
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20 Mar 01 - 10:56 AM (#421570) Subject: RE: How to get an amateur luthier to sell ? From: catspaw49 I'm with Homeless..............Unless he has an extreme personal attachment, that'd be the best route. One of the greatest carvers ever known (a href=http://www.warthers.com/>check it out) never sold any of his work. He gave away some at times and made some for that purpose, but even when the New York Central offered a fantastic sum (for the times), he refused to sell. Mooney believed that a person should never sell their hobby, and for him, a retired steelworker, it was just that.....a hobby. If any of you are in East Ohio, you MUST see this man's work. Spaw |
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20 Mar 01 - 10:59 AM (#421575) Subject: RE: How to get an amateur luthier to sell ? From: Sorcha Thanks for the ideas. I'll try to be patient.........he did say Sunday that he wouldn't do anything with it until it is finished (can't blame him for that!). I wouldn't want to borrow it in the white any way, I'd probably get greasy prints all over it. |
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20 Mar 01 - 05:51 PM (#421945) Subject: RE: How to get an amateur luthier to sell ? From: Jim the Bart Explain why this one works so well for you. Show him that it will be appreciated and will have a good home. If nothing else works, ask if you can commission him to build one for you just like it. Good luck. It's a shame when that special instrument slips past. . . |
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21 Mar 01 - 01:51 PM (#422558) Subject: RE: How to get an amateur luthier to sell ? From: pattyClink Tell him you think it's worth $800 but could you give him another 200 to customize it? and hand him your list of changes and let him think about it.... |