MAJOR CONDITION PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH "ANTIQUE" & SECOND HAND STRINGED INSTRUMENTS
|
Click on images to identify critical areas of instrument condition
|
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.
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.
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.
Some of the fundamental features of a composite instrument (linked here) to look out for.
|
|
|
|
Measurements: The authenticity of an instrument may not be determined categorically by it's measurements but certain violin making schools can be typified by the use of certain sets of measurements. The measurements of earlier 'cellos and some violas are particularly confusing as their dimensions have been invariably altered over the centuries. Typically full size violins are between 35.2cm and 35.8cm in the length of back, the most popular violas are between 40.0cm and 42.0cm and modern standard 'cellos no greater than 76.0cm in length of back.
The measurement of rib height may not be an important measurement in many cases but a tapering profile, shallower at the neck root than at the tailpin, is a reasonable indication of an instrument's hand made credentials. Some of the best known makers, however, are thought to have had the deepest rib sections at the corners.
The "stop" measurements are crucial to the playability of an instrument by any particular user. Players should calculate the optimum dimensions of a prospective instrument according to their own needs. An instrument with body dimensions that are marginally outside the the standard sizes can still be of effective service if the stop measurements meet a player's specifications. |
|
|
|
