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ARCHIVED TOPIC: Value of old European maple & spruce billets?

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CodyFielder - Posted - 10/20/2021: 21:59:07

Anyone here have a mental ballpark for the value of 50-100 year old spruce and maple sets, respectively? I know it’s piecework but I’m just looking for an eyeball figure. The nuances of the tonewood market are difficult to come by.

I have both bookmatched and solid (one piece) blocks, and some spruce.

If the questions is null or in need of more information I understand. Just looking for any even half-arbitrary input. Thanks.

The Violin Beautiful - Posted - 10/21/2021: 11:03:54

A lot depends on the provenance of the wood, the richness of the flame, the grain orientation, and the density.

I would expect a good top of that age to be at least $50-$75, more for exceptional pieces. For backs you could easily pay $150-$250. Some really great billets will sell in the thousands.

If you send pictures of some billets, along with measurements, to International Violin, they might be able to give a good idea. They buy old lots of violin making wood regularly and can make experienced assessments. Typically, if you have a decent amount of billets, your best bet is to sell as a lot.

It is a tricky market. Billets can vary widely in price. I’ve gotten some stunning old wood for a most nothing but paid a premium for small scraps of really old wood for repairs and restorations on 18th century instruments.