Buy

Instruments and bows: safe bets

Purchasing 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 amateur musician, purchasing 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 for succeeding in auditions and launching your career. Finally, it is a rewarding investment for a philanthropist who wants to develop his activities by helping young talents 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. This is why Wilder & Davis acts as a consultant 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 matter of giving you impartial advice concerning the purchase of an instrument or a bow as of assisting you in your research by accompanying you on site. As a consultant, Wilder & Davis works for you. We begin by assessing your needs and your 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 with a view to increasing 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 major dealers, auction houses and private sellers, we independently examine the instrument or bow to verify its authenticity and assess its physical condition and sonic 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 buyer choice, ensures a fair purchase price, and ultimately reduces costs (consultation fees are usually lower than consignment fees).

Sell

There are many ways to sell an instrument or bow. We are here to help you find the way that works best for you.

The consignment store

If you choose the consignment sale, 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. Evaluated at the right price, the item will be offered to a vast clientele in North America , Europe and Asia.

Direct purchase

We sometimes purchase 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 turns out to be the best choice, we can pack your item 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 evaluation.