How much does it usually cost to restore a violin?

5 Answers

• It certainly would be nice if the person put a few good photos rather than all these that don't really show what's important, they also didn't write anything much about its condition. Also do they have a written appraisal and if so, why not give information about that and who wrote the appraisal.

  All repair costs will depend on the qualifications of the repair person.

  You may be into a lot more cost than those few superficial ones. The bridge needs to be fitted to the violin, you can't just buy one and slap it on. A bridge runs $35-95, soundpost $10-100, tailpiece & tailgut installed w/ proper tailgut length set $20+, chinrest $8-50.

  It also badly needs strings, $25-75

  Now for what might also be a problem

  Pegs - they don't look at all new and could need replacing $50-100.

  The bow hair is dirty and could be very old and need replacing, but typically bows with that kind of frog are not very good so it might not be worth repairing. This particular bow is not a quality bow with Ivory frog, that is a cheap frog, so it probably is a cheap bow based on its appearance. If it can be just rehaired $30-75.

  The case obviously needs to be replaced, these are not rare and have very little value and offer no protection.

  With instruments of this age, and looking the way it does, since it has been a long time since it has been played, may also have some loose edges that will need gluing.

  Since they didn't show any closeups you also can't tell if the instrument has any cracks.

  I would ask the owner to photograph the neck joint where it joins the body especially showing it so you can see the violin top also. This instrument appears to have what we call in the industry, a one piece neck and block, meaning there is no neck block inside the instrument. The heel of the neck is made extra large and half of it is showing and half is inside the violin. This is a very cheap way of making a violin and typically the neck is to low of an angle and it wood cost around $300-500 to repair.

  Finally the instrument that is pictured is a Hopf copy factory violin. None of the real Hopf violin makers branded their instrument on the outside.

• Violin Restoration Cost

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  I would not recommend buying online. It is tempting since you can sometimes get a violin for $100 or less, but there is no way to know how much work your instrument may need after you get it from a picture, and you may end up paying as much or more to fix it than if you had just purchased a new instrument. Violin shops usually have some sort of rent-to-own agreement. I don't know much about New York, but here in Kansas City a student-quality violin is $400-$800 and the typical rental cost is $20/month. If possible, you will want to go with a rent-to-own agreement that includes basic repairs, charges no interest, and gives you a credit for your instrument if you choose to trade it in for a higher quality instrument after you become more advanced. There is actually a lot you need to know about buying a violin, and it is easier for me to direct you to an article I have already written rather than trying to write it all here. Follow the source link below. I think you will find that information helpful.

• Beginner violins are usually sold as outfits, with bow, case and rosin. Crappy violins that are hard to play and need endless repairs cost $50-200. Somewhat decent violins that are playable but aren't well-made and don't sound very good cost about $200-300. Beginner outfits that are pretty good quality cost $300-500. Beginner outfits that are well-made, good enough to last a few years and sound pretty decent cost about $500-800. You get crappy violins from internet discounters. Don't fall for the fake MSRPs they post; those violins aren't even worth the discounted price. You get possibly okay violins that aren't set up right from general music stores. Those places don't have string experts on staff, usually they have a guitar technician who spent an hour or so learning about violin setup. You get violins that were selected and set up by someone who knows what he or she is doing from string dealers. The other option is to rent a violin. Rentals from reputable sources are usually violins in the $450-700 range so you'd be able to start learning on a pretty decent instrument.

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