The Bench
What Is It, and What Is It Worth?
An inherited violin in an attic. A bow that might be something. An instrument your insurer wants a value on. Philip has had fifty years of instruments across his bench and does written estimates of value for insurance and estate purposes — along with the part most people actually came for, which is finding out what they've got.
What This Covers
Appraisals & Insurance Valuations
Written estimates of value for insurance purposes
Valuation of inherited, estate and attic instruments
Appraisal of violins, violas, cellos, basses and bows
An honest read on what an instrument is and where it likely came from
Assessment of condition and what repair would involve
Plain explanation of what you have — labels inside violins are very often not what they say
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
My violin has a Stradivarius label inside. Is it real?
Almost certainly not, and you're in very large company. Hundreds of thousands of ordinary trade violins were made with Stradivari, Amati and Guarneri labels as a style designation, not a forgery — it meant "made on this pattern." That doesn't make your instrument worthless, it just means the label isn't the answer. Bring it in and Philip will tell you what it actually is.
Do you do appraisals for insurance?
Yes. Philip does written estimates of value for insurance purposes and has done them for customers for many years. Call the shop to arrange it and bring the instrument — an appraisal requires seeing it in person.
Can you appraise from photos?
No. Wood, varnish, condition, construction and the inside of the instrument all matter, and none of them read reliably from a photo. Bring the instrument to the shop.
I inherited an instrument and don't know what to do with it.
Bring it in. Philip will tell you what it is, what condition it's in, whether it's worth restoring, and what it's likely worth — whether that means playing it, insuring it, selling it or handing it to a grandchild.
Also at the Shop
Other Ways Philip Can Help
Violin, Viola, Cello & Bass Repair
Expert violin, viola, cello and bass repair in Houston. Cracks, seams, pegs, bridges, sound posts and full restoration — by hand, by a luthier since 1975. (713) 729-2231.
Learn moreViolins, Violas, Cellos & Basses for Sale
A deep selection of violins, violas, cellos and basses for sale in Houston — student through professional, every budget. Try them in the shop. (713) 729-2231.
Learn moreHandmade Bows & Bow Repair
Bows made by hand from pernambuco by a Houston bow maker since 1975, plus expert bow repair and a large selection of bows for every budget. (713) 729-2231.
Learn moreGet Started
Found an Old Violin in the Family?
Bring it in. Finding out what it is takes Philip about five minutes, and it's usually a good story.