I don't know anything about evaluating violins, I haven't played in like a decade but I want to start again (and not break the bank) while doing it.
This caught my eye on Craigslist, listed for $300. The seller doesn't know anything about the model, though it does have one sticker on the inside: adjusted by o.m. Robinson 1900 (making it over a century old at least). The flame on the wood of the body leads me to believe it might be fairly high quality.
I know it's beat to shit, but I'd only care about sound.
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/107231/8f6f2fb6-f1f3-4fb5-b763-9300c8f24699/00J0J_2YXm5HfEsMV_1200x900.jpg
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/107231/347b6b69-8481-4942-b4ba-e3db0f5ecc63/01111_6iO315DeUTS_1200x900.jpg
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/107231/82c65d4f-7ed7-454c-bb12-8e76403add01/00R0R_2L4nQ9IwJa5_1200x900.jpg
https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/107231/1499fd8b-015f-48b5-a3f0-fbd878968f18/00H0H_92oaREBhngj_1200x900.jpg
If this one's got some obvious sign of being fucked up that I don't see, how would you suggest I find a violin
those tuning pegs are 1930s, not 1900s. I don't see any glaring faults, but either it's not as old as you think it is or it has been repaired at some point. when you go to buy it, make sure any repairs are done properly.
Maybe the current owner can't read, but there's apparently a sticker on the inside that says it was adjusted and repaired in 1900. Would tuning pegs be replaced without a luthier?
Also how would I identify a proper vs improper repair?
Lastly, in your own opinion, would this be worth taking the risk on the sticker price of $300 assuming it doesn't have a huge crack in the body or bow or something?
tusing pegs can easily be replaced without a luthier by anyone even vaguely handy.
an improper repair will likely have gaps and just not feel sturdy in general. a proper one feels as good as a new violin, or sometimes better.
I wouldn't pay $300 for a violin of questionable provenance, but I would definitely try to talk them down to around $250 or $275.
https://www.frederickwarner.com/the-walter-i-robinson-violin.html
here's some more information on the luthier, mostly on his grandson Walter, but there's some tidbits here and there as well.
seeing the prices on Walter's instruments, you might've actually come across a hell of a steal.
I really appreciate all the information, you've been a great help. I'm probably gonna go grab it today or tomorrow.
Slightly off topic;
I was gifted a violin this past christmas and havent played in over 10 years myself and am happy to see someone else on here doing the same thing. I've been struggling to tune it properly and it sounds so shit to me and is so frustrating because i learned really quickly how to play near perfect years ago, but i never learned how to tune it right and i also forgot how to read music. There are no violin teachers or anything near me so im just kind of bummed about that and youtube is kind of no help.
I just wanted to say that here because theres rally no where else on the forum to talk about it (as far as i know)
Grab a snark (or similar clip-on) tuner from a local music store
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