Buyer guide instrument condition assessment

CLICK HERE TO SCROLL DOWN AND EXPLORE IMAGE MAPS INDICATING MAJOR CONDITION PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH SECOND HAND STRINGED INSTRUMENTS

The condition of an instrument should always be considered in the light of other factors in coming to a judgement of saleability especially as regards the identity of the maker of the instrument.

Any mark or defect that does not generate a link in this illustration is still a defect, but of a lesser magnitude than those indicated by the links. If a link is generated please follow any instructions in the window produced by the link. Press links for more on Cracks and Woodworm

Click on image to identify critical areas of instrument condition / Top / link to close window /

NOTE: Illustrations used are generic and do not represent property listed on the Guarneri.net system

Cracks: Either restored or unrestored cracks are deleterious to the value of an instrument. Cracks run, generally, with the wood grain and may, in less serious cases, not penetrate the depth of the plate thickness, although these cracks will, if unattended, do so in time.

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Woodworm, live or restored is a major concern for buyers and instrument owners. The subject of woodworm is, however, in the public domain as an inherent problem for wood generally and the more so for stringed musical instruments. Restored woodworm in any of the areas indicated by the image map should be considered a serious defect. Occasionally the tracks left behind by the worms do not manifest themselves on the outside of the instrument and careful internal inspection is advised on older instruments