Lately, I’ve really been in the dumps about my current piping situation. I’ve been looking at all sorts of pre-owned/played/loved instruments. There have been a slew of really lovely things I’ve seen lately, but being a ‘poor college kid’ (move in on the 29th, classes start on the 4th) I don’t really have much money to put down on an instrument. What I do have, however, is a number of instruments I am willing to trade for a set. I am really seeking either a practice set of half set, of nice execution, in no specific key imparticular; concert would be great, flat would be fab too. If you are readign this thinking “hey, that’s me!” please read on. Otherwise, thanks for your time
To buisness…
Here’s what I have to swap. I am willing to (depending on the instrument you have) swap more than one for a set.
2 cellos from the late 1930’s, German made
1900’s violin, seems to be of an Italian pattern, nice shape, recently restored by me
1/2 size Chinese factory violin, set up properly by me, mint
“Tater Bug” bowl back mandolin (there is a picture of this on the string forum, “pictures of your stringed instruments” thread)
Kay 19 fret tenor banjo modified by me; this includes abalone dot inlays on the fingerboard, knee mute, bottle opener tailpiece (yes, I designed it to be used to open bottles ), natural peg head veneer, “lyre” pick holder, and several other not as noticable modifications. Also pictured on the above mentioned thread.
A number of violin and cello bows; all of varrying condition, some pernambuco, some fruitwood, some fibreglass.
A gamble here in the ITM world, but a rare-ish Hohner 111 Bass piano accordion done in a lovely art deco style from the 1920’s, white perloid
I will be happy to provide more information and pictures about any of the above listed, please PM if interested in trading, or if you would be interested in buying any of them outright. This is my comercial plug for at least a month or two!
True enough. Choose the ones that strike the balance between the ones you least want to keep and the ones that will bring the most money, take really good pictures, offer good descriptions and you’re bound to raise enough for a practice set. Though there is the added hassle of ebaying. The Cello(s) alone should bring enough if they’re decent.
If I where you I’d get the German and Italian violins and cellos priced and identified by a broker or musicologist. You could potentially be sitting on a gold mine. I’m guessing your market for those would be orchestras, conservatoriums etc. Hold onto those for later in retirment. Some of those really ancient violins can go for thousands.
I am a luthier, and I actually did all the restoration on the stringed instruments listed. I have a pretty good idea of their values, and what I’d want for them (a tough ballance to get!)
I really don’t like selling instruments like these (sans the 1/2 size chinese violin and maybe some bows) on eBay. I don’t really have a good reason why; I just don’t. Can’t really explain it more than that.
These are fine instruments, and if I end up keeping them all, I’d be happy as a clam. I’d much rather (at this point) trade directly for a set of pipes, and not have money exchanging hands. At this point in my life, my finances are pretty shot.
I posted this here instead of the string forum, as I figured there might be a better chance of a person with a set to spare seeking an instrument like these here than over there. I might as well slap this over there too.
), natural peg head veneer, “lyre” pick holder, and several other not as noticable modifications. Also pictured on the above mentioned thread.