Instruments and bows: safe bets

The purchase of an instrument or bow is a safe and profitable investment when it comes from a reputable place, which guarantees its origin and condition. When you are a music lover or an amateur musician, the purchase of an instrument allows you to enrich the cultural life of your community. For a young soloist or orchestral musician, a quality instrument is an essential tool to succeed in auditions and launch one's career. Finally, it is a rewarding investment for a philanthropist who wants to grow their business by helping young talent reach their potential and achieve their ambitions.

Independent Consultants

Finding an authentic specimen, in good condition and at the right price can be a formidable challenge if you do not master all the codes of the trade and negotiation specific to the world of violin making. For this reason, Wilder & Davis consults to many renowned institutions, patrons and collectors and offers advice on maintenance, collection dispersal and acquisition.

In the case of acquisitions, it can be just as much a question of giving you impartial advice regarding the purchase of an instrument or bow as of assisting you in your research by accompanying you on site. As a consultant, Wilder & Davis works for you. We start by assessing your needs and options and determine with you the type of instrument or bow you are looking for, the use you intend to make of it (amateur or professional musician, loan to a soloist, established musician or future young musician, purchase to increase a private or institutional collection), the length of time you intend to keep it and the price category you are targeting.

After developing an approach and selecting the instrument(s) from those offered by leading dealers, auction houses and private sellers, we independently examine the instrument or bow to verify its authenticity and assess its physical condition and sound potential. We also check the accompanying documentation (certificates, letters of insurance, dendrochronology reports, correspondence, publications) and research the price history of the luthier who made it.

In addition to reducing anxiety, this approach increases the buyer's choice, ensures a fair purchase price and ultimately reduces costs (consulting fees are usually lower than the commissions charged on the consignment).

There are several ways to sell an instrument or bow. We're here to help you find the way that's best for you.

Consignment sales

If you opt for consignment sales, you should know that all our operations are transparent. Your instrument or bow will be rigorously prepared for sale and will be accompanied by a certificate if necessary. Valued at the right price, the item will be offered to a wide range of customers in North America, Europe and Asia.

Direct purchase

We sometimes buy instruments and bows directly if they require major restoration work or if the owner is in a hurry to sell.

Direct sale to a third party

In case you know a potential buyer, we will be happy to help you negotiate the transaction and advise you, without obligation, on the condition and value of the property in question.

Auction

If it proves to be the best choice, we can pack your goods and prepare the documents for shipping.

Donation accompanied by a tax receipt

Finally, if you decide to donate your property to a school or orchestra, in exchange for a tax credit, we will provide you with a written appraisal.