Information archive

More detailed information about stringed instruments and the history of violin making.

Our trade guarantee:
giving you the right instrument at every step

Trade in your old instrument when you upgrade

As your skill grows, the standards you have will grow as well when it comes to your violin, viola or bow. We want to accompany you along every step of your musical path, which is why we are glad to accept any instrument you purchased from us at any time when you trade it in to upgrade to a new one. We will give you trade credit for 100% of the original price against the cost of something new, as long as your old instrument is in its original and acceptable condition and the price of the new instrument is at least €500.00 more than the price of the old one. Our guaranteed trade offer applies to instruments within the same category, i.e. you can trade your violin for another violin, your bow for another bow, and so on. The original receipt must be presented if you wish to take advantage of our trade guarantee. Our trade guarantee does not apply to instruments we sell on a consignment basis; such instruments are labelled accordingly on the web page.

How do you define "acceptable condition"?

Normal traces of use on the bridge, strings and fingerboard as well as minor scratches or open seams are acceptable. We charge a reconditioning fee of €75 for violins and violas and €50 for bows; this covers minor repairs and new strings. The instrument will undergo our professional appraisal, and the trade value may be lowered or the guarantee rendered null and void altogether if more significant repairs are needed or there is damage such as cracks, broken corners or edges, warping, damage to the varnish, etc.

Shipping fees

When we take your instrument in trade, you will be charged the shipping costs (including any customs fees or import taxes if you are sending it from abroad) for returning the old instrument and shipping the new one. If you are sending us an instrument via international mail, please make sure you fill out the customs declaration correctly to avoid delays and additional fees.