What to Expect from a Violin Valuation Appointment
By John Patrick Egan Violins, Dublin
If you've found yourself holding an old violin and wondering, Is this worth anything?—you're not alone. Every week, we meet people who bring in instruments passed down through generations, purchased at flea markets, or tucked away for decades. Whether it’s for insurance, resale, or simple curiosity, a professional valuation can offer clarity and peace of mind.
But what actually happens during a violin valuation appointment? Here's what you can expect when you visit our Dublin workshop.
A Calm, Respectful Environment
We know that for many clients, this is their first time having an instrument appraised. Our goal is to make the process clear, comfortable, and informative. You don’t need to bring anything except the instrument itself—no paperwork or musical background required.
You’ll meet directly with John or one of our trusted specialists, and we’ll walk you through the appointment step by step.
Physical Inspection
The first stage is a thorough visual and structural inspection of the violin. We examine:
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The condition of the wood and varnish
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The scroll, purfling, and body shape
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The internal label (if present)
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Signs of previous repairs, damage, or replacements
These details help us determine where and when the violin may have been made, and whether it was a handmade instrument or one produced in a workshop.
Listening and Playability
When possible, we’ll briefly assess how the violin sounds and feels when played. Tone quality and responsiveness—while subjective—can influence value, especially for musicians looking to purchase an instrument for performance.
Discussion and Context
We’ll explain what we’ve found in plain language. If the instrument was mass-produced, we’ll tell you. If there are signs it could be a valuable antique, we’ll walk you through the next steps. You’ll learn what influences violin values—such as maker, condition, provenance, and market trends.
We’ll also answer any questions you may have: Should it be insured? Is it worth restoring? What’s the best way to sell it, if that’s your intention?
A Written Valuation
For formal purposes—such as insurance, estate planning, or resale—we can provide a written valuation document. This includes:
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Instrument description
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Estimated market value
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Notes on condition and origin
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(Optional) Certificate of authenticity, if applicable
Thinking of Booking a Valuation?
Every instrument has a story, and it starts with understanding what you have. Whether your violin is a hidden treasure or a cherished heirloom, we’re here to help you uncover its history and worth—with honesty, care, and expertise.
Visit us in Dublin
Call +353 (0)87 000 2167
Email johnpatrickeganviolins@gmail.com to schedule an appointment