I have a violin that my wife bought at an auction (fair condition). On the back of the neck, there is an imprint of the name PAGANINI.
I would like to be more informed as to the authenticity of this instrument before I enter a dealership to ascertain an opinion. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I would get in contact with these people:

http://www.galleryofhistory.com/archive/1_2003/music/NICCOLO_PAGANINI.htm

They have the history of all things Paganini..

Hopefully this helps…

Label:
Ernst Heinrich Roth
Markneukirchen 1 ?
annol 1924
Topie: Francesco Ruggeri
This is going in an auction and I would like to know the approximate value if any. The post is loose and it needs strings and conditioned. In the hard bow top case with a bow.

See:

Requests to appraise an instrument

http://beststudentviolins.com/StringCareSpecs.html#2

This must be done by a reputable shop. It cannot be done, over the internet, without a direct examination from a reputable expert.

You can’t expect anyone to tell you anything of value by just giving the name of the instrument on the label; the violin has to be held and played, and examined, by hand.

My grandfather bought me a violin at an auction. The person who was holding the auction asked for it back because it went for $50. He said that it was an antique violin from the 1880s. I don’t know if I can trust this source of information. The case has a GSB Violin Case emblem on the bottom. Where can I find information? I am desperate in finding correct info on this violin.

It is nearly impossible — actually it is impossible — to appraise an instrument via verbal description, even if accompanied with photographs — over the internet.

What you should do is take it to a reputable luthier. A luthier is a person who repairs, in some cases makes, and also appraises stringed instruments. There is usually one or more in every community. I would not indicate that you might want to sell it but rather, tell them you want to have it appraised for insurance purposes. Sometimes there is a small fee associated with this service, like $20, but they might do it for free.

See:
Requests to appraise an instrument

http://beststudentviolins.com/StringCareSpecs.html#2

My sister bought a violin online in trademe.co.nz for $35 (auction)
but is $300 in stores (as the seller says:P) , BRAND NEW

ANYWAY

I tried playing (as if) the violin butttt to my dismay,

1.) (queston erased, dont wanna edit)
2.) How do we know if the violin is playable…what do you call the
BOW or something the stick you use to play the violin lol
3.) is it possible to be self taught playing the violin?
4.) is it really necessary that you can read notes

ANY TIPS FOR STARTERS?

D:

nomoney for lessonsss
but to my dismay*, I tried playing with the bow (imitated those on tv haha) there was NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo
sound.

why is that?

Okay, first off, yes, you have to read music to play. Not everyone does, but you can’t truly play the instrument to it’s full extent without knowing how to read music. I’m sure many people disagree, but I play two instruments (flute and piano) and I’ve seen many disastrous attempts by people who THINK they can play without reading music, and it’s not pretty. I don’t play violin, but I figure that you’ll be a lot better off if you take lessons. Most aren’t really all that pricey. $15-$20 a lesson isn’t really that bad, if you ask me. (That’s how much they are where I live) For the 2nd question, you don’t, unless someone who knows how to play it does. If you bought it for $30, you probably got what you paid for. at least you’re not out much if it’s a crap violin and doesn’t work. I wasn’t trying to sound rude, but there’s not really another way to put it.

What does this mean? Will this violin have any value? I bought at an auction.

It means it was probably stolen from a college that owned it.

I’ve been trying for a few years, actually, to find either an mp3 of the violin solo played by the old gentleman during the auction scene or the sheet music or to at least find what the song was based on. I’m quite sure the song is similar to a classical piece I heard elsewhere. Any information would be helpful!

Try looking it up on IMDB.

I bought a violin or viola at auction. How can I tell which it is?

A viola is slightly larger, thicker, and lower in sound. A violin is slightly smaller, thinner, and has a higher sound. If you are not sure, take it to any music store that sells stringed instruments and they will tell you. Alternatively, you can look inside at the label. If it says 4/4, 3/4 or 1/2 it is a Violin and that is the size. If it says 13" 14" 15" or 16" it is a viola. If it just gives you the brand name and serial number, be sure and record the serial number while you are looking at it. Many shops are taking instruments and substituting similar (less valuable) ones, thinking that their customers will never know the difference.

You can also hold the instrument up against another that you already know about. If you have a friend who has either a violin or viola, just bring it over to their place and hold it up against theirs. Chances are they will know anyway.

You will probably need new strings. (or at least ask a friend how to inspect and clean off the ones that are on there) You should probably get the bow re-haired as well. Buy a new cake of rosin, and a shoulder rest if it isn’t too expensive. If it is, go get one of those bone shaped sponges they use to clean cars with. Cut the sponge in half, and put a large rubber band around it. Put the sponge underneath the instrument and stretch the rubber band over it. If it’s too thick, cut it down a bit.

While you are there, get some kind of a pitch pipe or electronic tuner. There are online sites that will sound the notes for you as well

Hope this helps

I love it It is of a beautiful darkhaired girl looking sad holding a music instument similar to a violin and the only marking is in the bottom right hand corner
molinet
Anyone have any idea how i can track down its origin?

If there’s an art museum or college with an art department near you, phone the curator and ask what reference books would be useful.

You will need to have it appraised. It could be worth a lot or a little, depending on the maker and the condition. Try googling violin appraisers. Unless you live in a large city, you will have to ship it to the appraiser. It’s going to cost some money, but it will be worth it to know what you have.

Do not sell it on ebay. If it is worth a lot, it will need to be sold in a specialized musical instrument auction at a high end auction house like Sotheby’s.

First take it to one of the larger auction houses and get an expert valuation. I cannot say which as I do not know your country of origin. By just putting it on an online auction site it may sell for a trifle of it`s real value. Unfortunately even if it is old and precious to you it may have little commercial value so don`t build your hopes up till you get expert valuation. But I hope it is by a collectable maker and you get a fortune.