dawnpgeo - Posted - 09/24/2010:  21:47:26

Hello Everyone.

I need some advice. My cousin has a violin in an old looking cardboard case. He inherited it from his Dad. The only markings on it is a label on the back just below the neck that says First National Institute Violin. I can't find anything else on it.

It has some dings, scratches, etc. on it but sounds good to me. (I'm a beginner, tho... so.. for what it's worth... :-) ) It has a warmer sound than the Ebay $45 job that I have... which hasn't been set-up at all. The bridge has an unusual looking shape with the high side (G string) actually slanting down like I've seen the low side on fiddles. I hope this makes sense.

My question is: Is it worth getting it set-up and playable? How much should I offer my cousin for it?

Thanks so much,
Dawn

rosinhead - Posted - 09/25/2010:  05:22:00

All of my research is coming up in the $250-$300 range. As far as whether it is worth it, that is up to you. If you like the fiddles sound and feel that $200 is comfortable to you then I say do it. You may have to invest another $100 for set-up etc..

coelhoe - Posted - 09/25/2010:  05:24:55

Post lots of good photos. No way to tell otherwise. There were several musical "institutes" before WW2 that gave lessons locally and sold instruments to match. The lessons and instruments came as a package and you paid so much per week. In general, the instruments were quite low quality. My first guitar was a "National Teachers' Institute" instrument that was just barely playable.

dawnpgeo - Posted - 09/25/2010:  06:30:55

I've attached three photos. I hope you can tell something from them.

The instrument sounds very warm and a lot better to me than the el-cheapo from Ebay.

Thank you so much for your help and advice.

Dawn

First National Institute Violin

coelhoe - Posted - 09/25/2010:  07:43:19

I think the way to read the label is this "National Institute" First Violin. That can mean either the first instrument a student gets, possibly followed by better ones, or it can mean "First" as in the primary violin section of an orchestra. I'd hold for the former idea. As I recall "National Institute of Music" was one of the major companies.

The instrument itself looks to me to very low end. Drawn-on purfling, some other hard wood for the finger board, etc. If it sounds decent in spite of that, well.........

dawnpgeo - Posted - 09/26/2010:  07:41:33

What is the value based on the pictures? What can I expect to pay for it? Is it still in the $200 range?

Any idea how old it is?

Thanks,
Dawn

coelhoe - Posted - 09/26/2010:  07:56:43

Value is relative to what a person is willing to pay for it. For me, it is too far into the low end of such things to even bid on. Save your money until something better comes along. I would not give more than $100 for it or even less, much less.

As to age, who knows? These mail order "...Institute..." programs were quite popular in the late 1920's--early 1930's.

dawnpgeo - Posted - 09/26/2010:  08:18:35

OK. Thank you very much for your input. I just want an idea so I don't pay some huge price for something not worth it.

Actually, he said he wants $30 for it. I think the case is worth that even tho it is old. It is still structurally sound.

Thanks again,
Dawn