How to Sell a Violin, Viola or Cello: A Luthier's Guide

Whether you are selling an outgrown student violin or an inherited instrument of real value, the process is the same: find out what you have, present it properly, and choose the right channel. Rushing any of those three costs money.

Step one: find out what you actually have

Before listing anything, get an opinion from a luthier or expert. Labels are unreliable, and the gap between a trade instrument and a named maker's work can be a factor of a hundred. A short verbal opinion is usually inexpensive; a written valuation costs more but pays for itself on anything of significance.

Step two: get the condition right

Do not attempt cosmetic repairs yourself, and never sand, re-varnish or polish an old instrument — that destroys value faster than almost any damage. Do have open seams closed and a sensible setup done: a buyer who can play the instrument well on the first try pays more than one who cannot.

• Close open seams and stabilise any active crack.
• Fit a decent set of strings and a straight, correctly placed bridge.
• Clean rosin dust gently with a dry cloth only.
• Gather all paperwork: receipts, certificates, repair records, old valuations.

Step three: choose the right channel

• Sale to a dealer — fastest and certain, but at wholesale; expect meaningfully below retail.
• Consignment with a luthier or dealer — they sell it at retail and take a commission, typically the best net result for a good instrument, but it takes time.
• Auction — transparent and international for significant instruments; the hammer price is reduced by seller's commission and is unpredictable.
• Private sale — highest potential price, most work, and you handle trials, viewings and payment risk yourself.

Pricing realistically

Look at what comparable instruments actually sold for, not what similar ones are listed at. Auction results are public and are the most reliable benchmark. Remember the difference between the retail price a shop charges — which includes setup, guarantee and trade-in rights — and what a private seller can realistically ask.

Presenting the instrument

Photograph the front, back, both ribs, the scroll from both sides, and any damage, in even daylight against a plain background. Describe condition honestly, including repairs. Buyers trust sellers who volunteer the flaws, and undisclosed damage is the usual reason a sale collapses after inspection.

Paperwork and payment

Provide a receipt describing the instrument, the price and the date. Allow a reasonable trial period with a written agreement and insurance in place. Never release the instrument before funds have cleared, and use an escrow or a dealer's trust account for high-value sales.

If you would like a straight opinion on what your instrument is and how best to sell it, contact the atelier — we value, set up and place instruments regularly, and will tell you honestly when a sale is not worth the fees.