BrainTree56 - Posted - 12/27/2017: 07:04:00
Can anyone tell me what you think about this old fiddle? I bought it at a goodwill for very cheap - mostly for the purposes of practicing set-up, etc. But I'm starting to think it might be worth more than I paid for it. Curious?
There was a label on the inside - in fact it looks like there was a label on top of a label. Two different ages. It almost looks like someone tried to remove them (or maybe the top one and ruined the bottom in the process). Purfling is definitely real. Wood seems decent. No cracks. It looks to me like the nut (and maybe the fingerboard) was replaced at some point. The new nut doesn't seem to have been put in very well... I might try to make a new nut. Bridge says Joseph Teller 1892 Germany **. It looks like someone put newer Dominant Vision strings on it.
Anyway - let me know what you think. Any idea of how much something like could sell for?
bandsmcnamar - Posted - 12/27/2017: 12:09:18
Just my opinion here...... The top grain is very inconsistent, not a sign of a "good" instrument. The back though, looks very nice. It you get it set up and it sounds good, I would say $300-$500. If it sounds truly amazing, a bit more. If it doesn't sound so good, or is quiet, maybe only $200-$250. That top tells you it's a "trade" instrument made from 1880-1920 ish, probably sold through Sears or Mongomery Ward, if it's fully blocked and lined that will help the sound, but might also add a bit of value. You could buy about any maker's name through the catalogs, and there were usually 2-3 levels, a $2 version, a $5 version, and maybe an $8 version. Some of the $5 ones, and a lot of the $8 ones are pretty nice instruments. But keep in mind, they're still just trade fiddles. At the same year a Sears catalog, might sell a Lowendahl, or a Bernabetti(JTL) instument for in the $60 range. Those can be worth $4000-$5000 these days. I hope this helps, and if I'm missing something here, please chime in and correct me, I'm always ready to learn more.
Just looking at the pictures again, the scroll does not match what a Maggini should look like. There is usually an extra turn on a Maggini scroll, definitely a trade instrument. Sound will determine the value for the most part, still could be a good player though.
Edited by - bandsmcnamar on 12/27/2017 12:13:15
BrainTree56 - Posted - 12/27/2017: 15:15:13
That's great information. I went ahead and set it up with a Wittner Tailpiece and some D'Addario strings - I wouldn't say it sounds amazing. But it's ok - and it's not quiet at all. I think I'm going to have to make a new nut. I'll try to set it up well and see what happens.
Dave Churm - Posted - 12/27/2017: 15:41:01
Sorry looks really good to me, I'm not an expert but love any instrument, good luck with the sound.
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