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Charles Ervin Violins, Inc. Maker and Restorer of Fine Stringed Instruments |
Answers to Your Questions About Old Violins
We frequently receive inquiries from owners of old violins. They are sometimes just curious or interested in a realistic appraisal, but often they hope to learn that an instrument is extremely valuable. In this section of our Web site, we provide information that may be useful to you if you are on such a search for information.
There are a number of family names associated with classical Italian violins. The best known, and those likely to arouse the most excitement when spotted on a label inside an instrument, are Stradivari, Guarneri, and Amati. Because of intense interest in the names Stradivari and Guarneri, we believe that almost all surviving instruments produced by the makers of those two families have been identified and authenticated.
Many Amati instruments are also known and certified. Because of the greater emphasis on the Stradivari and Guarneri makers, however, there is a somewhat greater possibility of an exciting discovery of a previously unknown authentic Amati instrument.
In addition to the "big three", there were a number of lesser classical Italian makers, such as Ruggeri, Rogeri, Camilli, and Calcanius. Though their authentic instruments have somewhat less value, it can still be substantial, and the chances of finding one are much greater. We are always interested in hearing of any classical Italian instruments that may be authentic.
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P.O. Box 1743 | Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557-1743 Email crervin@ervinviolins.net Studio/Workshops in Austin, Texas and Taos, New Mexico |
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