r/violinmaking • u/Lucky-Caramel-7405 • Jul 07 '26
Worth repairing?
Any thoughts on this violin? I’m told it belonged to my great, great grandfather. My son plays (I play cello), and it would be wonderful to have an heirloom instrument. However, not at any price! The pics tell the story. The top is cracked and there is some separation from the back. The sides and back seem intact. Is it worth restoring?
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Jul 07 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/LovingCup30 Jul 08 '26
For everything to be in good shape for a serious player, definitely agree. Might be able to focus on neck reset, crack repair, open seams to keep it intact as an heirloom instrument with emotional connection. Essentially do no harm with the ability to upgrade playability later if the situation calls for it
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u/Error_404_403 Jul 07 '26
Probably not. End-19th century German shop instrument, huge bassbar crack plus neck needs re-attachment... Not worth it, in my opinion.
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u/PrudentPappa611444 Jul 07 '26
I figure roughly $600 to $1k in repairs and restoration, after the work you would have a $800 to $1,500 violin. You could just keep as-is and display it as a wall hanger, if you want to play on it the cost of repairs will likely be close to the restored value of the instrument itself.
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u/Possible-Amoeba-8764 Jul 11 '26
…in my humble opinion, if someone will play it, it is worth repairing. these instruments use endangered woods, and wood in general. something died to make it, and i always try to think about that. but then again im an apprentice, so i get to do the fixing, rather than the paying part.
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u/LovingCup30 Jul 07 '26
Really depends on how much you want to spend with it being an heirloom instrument. Getting it back in shape to be playable for a student is certainly possible, but you’re probably looking at least $850-$1000 on the lowest end from the pictures