yoyogogo - Posted - 01/09/2024:  17:31:24

the lovely looking violin is on sales, and its $1 reserve so it will sell. looks like it is genuine, and from my research, these are not high value items, well not high enough to have copies anyway :)

just curious if its worth getting for a beginner adult. If purchased and taked to a lutheir for full setup work, how much do you think it could be worth. just like the idea that it will sell with the $1 reserve, so it woudl be amazing to get some advice on the value of it onces restored, so i have a better understand how much to bid. thank you for your help.

The Violin Beautiful - Posted - 01/10/2024:  07:49:16

JTL instruments are generally a good value. Because the Lamy workshop was the largest operation in France and they employed hundreds of workmen, they made all kinds of instruments, from the cheapest lines like Medio-Fino up to the professional level. Therefore, prices are all over the place.

The violin you’re looking at is a model that’s just above the level of the Medio-Fino, so it was originally considered a student instrument. But the thing about the cheap JTL violins is that they were made with good tonewood and, although some corners were cut in construction, they were overall reasonably well-made. They sound better than most student instruments you can purchase now.

As far as determining value, condition is key. Keep in mind that violin at auction is most often placed there because it has problems and the owner doesn’t want to pay to deal with them. Proceed with EXTREME caution. If the violin you’re interested in were in perfect condition and set up professionally, it might sell for $2000-$3000, but the wholesale price would generally be half that or less. If there’s any damage the price drops accordingly. From the pictures you posted on Maestronet, it does have the look of a JTL violin.

If you do decide to bid, make sure there’s a return policy so you don’t get stuck with a lemon. I would never recommend buying from an unknown seller without the ability to make a return. Also, keep in mind that, whatever you spend on the instrument, it’ll need several hundred dollars’ worth of investment in setup to be in proper playing shape. I’d be cautious in bidding because JTLs are so plentiful that it’s easy to find others and you can afford to be selective.

yoyogogo - Posted - 01/10/2024:  11:15:54

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Violin Beautiful

JTL instruments are generally a good value. Because the Lamy workshop was the largest operation in France and they employed hundreds of workmen, they made all kinds of instruments, from the cheapest lines like Medio-Fino up to the professional level. Therefore, prices are all over the place.



The violin you’re looking at is a model that’s just above the level of the Medio-Fino, so it was originally considered a student instrument. But the thing about the cheap JTL violins is that they were made with good tonewood and, although some corners were cut in construction, they were overall reasonably well-made. They sound better than most student instruments you can purchase now.



As far as determining value, condition is key. Keep in mind that violin at auction is most often placed there because it has problems and the owner doesn’t want to pay to deal with them. Proceed with EXTREME caution. If the violin you’re interested in were in perfect condition and set up professionally, it might sell for $2000-$3000, but the wholesale price would generally be half that or less. If there’s any damage the price drops accordingly. From the pictures you posted on Maestronet, it does have the look of a JTL violin.



If you do decide to bid, make sure there’s a return policy so you don’t get stuck with a lemon. I would never recommend buying from an unknown seller without the ability to make a return. Also, keep in mind that, whatever you spend on the instrument, it’ll need several hundred dollars’ worth of investment in setup to be in proper playing shape. I’d be cautious in bidding because JTLs are so plentiful that it’s easy to find others and you can afford to be selective.

---

oh wow thank you so kindly much for your respone. i would be very surprised if i have to pay more than $100usd for this violin. my guess woudl be around 50-70usd, so from the look of it, this will be a bargain. you think so?

The Violin Beautiful - Posted - 01/10/2024:  16:48:08

quote:

---

Originally posted by yoyogogo

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Violin Beautiful

JTL instruments are generally a good value. Because the Lamy workshop was the largest operation in France and they employed hundreds of workmen, they made all kinds of instruments, from the cheapest lines like Medio-Fino up to the professional level. Therefore, prices are all over the place.



The violin you’re looking at is a model that’s just above the level of the Medio-Fino, so it was originally considered a student instrument. But the thing about the cheap JTL violins is that they were made with good tonewood and, although some corners were cut in construction, they were overall reasonably well-made. They sound better than most student instruments you can purchase now.



As far as determining value, condition is key. Keep in mind that violin at auction is most often placed there because it has problems and the owner doesn’t want to pay to deal with them. Proceed with EXTREME caution. If the violin you’re interested in were in perfect condition and set up professionally, it might sell for $2000-$3000, but the wholesale price would generally be half that or less. If there’s any damage the price drops accordingly. From the pictures you posted on Maestronet, it does have the look of a JTL violin.



If you do decide to bid, make sure there’s a return policy so you don’t get stuck with a lemon. I would never recommend buying from an unknown seller without the ability to make a return. Also, keep in mind that, whatever you spend on the instrument, it’ll need several hundred dollars’ worth of investment in setup to be in proper playing shape. I’d be cautious in bidding because JTLs are so plentiful that it’s easy to find others and you can afford to be selective.

---

oh wow thank you so kindly much for your respone. i would be very surprised if i have to pay more than $100usd for this violin. my guess woudl be around 50-70usd, so from the look of it, this will be a bargain. you think so?

---

Yes, if you can get it that cheap it will be a very good bargain. The price being so low makes me wonder what's wrong with it. It's hard to see from your pictures whether the button has been broken or there's been a soundpost crack. If either of those have happened, that would make more sense as a project--still worth it if you're a luthier, but worth thinking carefully if you're not.