What should you pay attention to when buying a restoration violin?

Buying a violin for restoration can be an exciting challenge. Not every instrument is a good candidate for restoration, and it is important to make a well-considered choice. In this blog, we will discuss what to look for when buying a restoration violin.

1. The overall condition of the violin

• Check whether the sound box is still structurally intact .

• Check the neck and fingerboard: is it straight and stable?

• Are there any cracks or other damage that would be difficult to repair?

2. The importance of the wood and the varnish

• Old violins made of solid spruce and maple often offer superior sound after restoration.

• Damaged lacquer can be partially repaired, but complete relacquering may affect the sound.

3. Sound potential and playability

A restoration should not only improve the appearance, but also optimize the sound quality and playability . Sometimes a violin with a poor sound can sound surprisingly good after replacing the bridge, fingerboard or strings.

4. Estimate restoration costs

Not every restoration is profitable. A violin with minimal damage and a good year of manufacture may be a worthwhile investment, while a badly damaged instrument may require too much work.

Are you looking for a violin for restoration ? At Doremi Records we have a carefully selected collection with potential for restoration!