Buying high-quality string instruments online is now as commonplace as buying books or clothing—and follows the same clear guidelines. We explain how purchasing from Corilon works, what rights buyers have, and what distinguishes a reputable dealer.
Buying string instruments online — a settled matter
Ten years ago, the skepticism was still understandable: Can you buy a string instrument online without having played it first? Today, that question has long been answered. Musicians worldwide—from beginners to concert soloists—buy string instruments online and actively search the internet for instruments and shops. The comparison with clothing is obvious: people buy shirts online today without trying them on, too. The principle is the same: trust in the dealer, transparent product information, and the right to return. Corilon violins has been at the forefront of this shift as one of the first online shops for string instruments since 2002. What has set us apart from the very beginning is a standard rarely found in online retail: perfectionism in every detail. Every instrument is documented, refurbished, restored, and set up with the same meticulous care—regardless of whether it costs 500 or 50,000 euros. This perfectionism is reflected in our humanities-based research library, which is now one of the most comprehensive of its kind—offering academic depth in the documentation of provenance, construction, and tonal history.
Every string instrument in our catalog is individually assessed in our workshops in Munich and Cremona, technically and visually restored to playing condition, restored if necessary, and documented with high-resolution photos, a sound sample, and a text description. We do not use generic product descriptions, but rather photos from eight to twelve angles, a professionally recorded sound sample, and a detailed description by experts who have been working with antique string instruments on a daily basis for 20 years.
The online presentation of Corilon violins
- Detail photos: top, back, sides, scroll, varnish condition
- Individual sound sample: professionally recorded and digitized
- Condition description: most instruments in the Corilon catalog are in pristine condition
- Description of playing characteristics, provenance
- An optional certificate for each instrument; for significant instruments, accompanied by an appraisal from independent experts
Audio sound samples versus videos
Our professionally recorded and digitized sound samples reliably demonstrate the instrument’s tonal character: whether it sounds warm, bright, dark, soft, or brilliant; how it responds to the bow; and whether it reacts with an open, resonant tone or is forgiving of playing errors. These characteristics reflect the instrument’s intrinsic tonal character and are present regardless of whether a beginner or an advanced player is playing the instrument. What sound samples cannot consistently capture is the volume, especially in very extensive catalogs, since each recording session takes place on different days with a slightly different setup in terms of microphone placement or orientation. This is where the textual sound description comes into play: we describe the instrument’s tonal character in words, just as it sounds to the ear—without vibrato, completely pure. Corilon Violins has received a great deal of positive feedback regarding our sound samples. And with our 30-day return policy, you can play the selected instrument at home at your leisure to make your decision.
Many dealers today rely on marketing videos for product presentations. We have deliberately chosen not to do this. A video shows the instrument in motion, but rarely in its actual appearance: the finish, grain, and condition are difficult to assess from a single video frame. Even more serious is the poor sound quality of videos: microphones on smartphones or cameras significantly compress, color, and distort the sound of a high-quality string instrument. What sounds good in a video may not sound good in reality—and vice versa. Corilon’s audio samples are recorded in a professional studio setup using high-quality studio microphones that precisely capture the instrument’s actual tonal character. The result is a pure and reliable sound. Anyone familiar with our audio samples knows: what you hear is what you get.
Shipping — Free Worldwide
Corilon ships every instrument free of charge worldwide; professionally packed, fully insured, with tracking. This is not a given in the premium segment for historical string instruments.
Within Germany, delivery takes only a few days. For EU-wide shipments, delivery takes about one week. For international standard shipping, a delivery time of up to four weeks should be expected for rural areas. UPS Express and other premium shipping options are available for faster delivery. The choice is up to the buyer.
Our internal processing time is 3–8 business days, regardless of the shipping method selected. Every instrument is thoroughly inspected once more before shipping—and if minor improvements are possible, they are carried out with care. Our team works one week a month in our workshop in Cremona. No shipments are made during this time. For international orders, export documentation and customs clearance are added to the process, a procedure that cannot be expedited.
Corilon is not the right place for those who order today and want delivery tomorrow. Those who order from us do not wait for logistics, but rather for their instrument to arrive with the care, meticulousness, and attention it deserves. This is a promise we fulfill with every single instrument—regardless of its price.
Returns: 30 days, 100% of the purchase price
In addition to the statutory 14-day EU right of withdrawal, Corilon offers an extended 30-day return guarantee. Anyone wishing to return an instrument will receive 100% of the purchase price within 14 business days of the instrument’s receipt. The buyer bears the cost of return shipping—this complies with legal regulations and is fair compensation for free worldwide shipping. Corilon provides its proven, shatterproof shipping packaging.
Prices — at the lower end of the market
As an online retailer, Corilon offers competitive prices. We purchase instruments directly, restore them in our own workshop, and sell them online to end customers at high quality, transparently and without middlemen. Our high sales volume allows us to offer prices that are significantly lower than those of violin makers, specialty shops, or specialized dealers in London, Paris, or New York—while maintaining equivalent or higher restoration quality and excellent sound quality. Not every instrument offered to us makes it into the Corilon catalog: high quality standards and our pricing policy form the foundation of our success. The professional restoration of each instrument by our in-house violin workshop usually takes more than a full workday and costs between 500 and, for larger restorations, several thousand euros, depending on the effort required. Bridge, endpin, fingerboard, varnish, pegs, neck angle, and position — every detail is inspected and optimized. The result is an instrument that is delivered ready to play and with optimized sound. Anyone who buys an instrument without this restoration process doesn’t know what they’re getting and bears the restoration costs themselves—and often ends up paying more in the end, since we weed out instruments with hidden defects from the outset. Those who wish to buy from a luthier expect the atmosphere and the ambiance, but can usually try out only a few instruments and end up paying a significantly higher price.
Visits in Munich — by appointment
Corilon is an online shop. We focus our attention on the professional sourcing, restoration, and presentation of the instruments. Visits are warmly welcome by prior appointment. Corilon is an online-only retailer with no physical storefront—visits take place exclusively by appointment. During every visit, our focus is entirely on the buyer and their wishes. We take the time necessary to suggest and find the right instrument. Experience shows that undisturbed, quiet playing without time pressure or distractions is key. Please feel free to request an appointment via email.
How to recognize reputable dealers
Characteristics of a reputable online dealer for string instruments
- Individual documentation — each instrument with its own photos, sound sample, and personalized description
- In-house workshop — verifiable expertise in restoration and setup
- Transparent return policy
- Accessible service — personal consultation, expert and prompt
- Long-standing market presence — verifiable history and references. Corilon has been in business for nearly 20 years.
- Clear pricing policy — transparent pricing and terms. Prices should be clearly stated.
Questions about online purchases, returns, or a specific instrument? We respond personally — in German, English, French, and Italian.
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Corilon customer reviews, verified buyers
