A practical assessment of an instrument's condition, setup and playing state, whether you already own it or are considering buying it. We will tell you what we see, what may need attention, and what is worth doing. Carried out in our showroom, by appointment.
A look at the instrument on the bench: its condition, how it has been set up, any past repairs, and how it plays. You get a plain account of what it is, what if anything it needs, and whether that work is worth doing.
An assessment in the showroom is free. If you need it written up, or you want imaging and a formal record, that becomes a condition report and is quoted separately.
We can give you a general sense of the level an instrument sits at. A figure you can rely on for insurance, probate or a sale is a valuation, which is a separate piece of work and is priced accordingly.
No. If the question of who made an instrument matters to you, that is a certificate from a recognised expert, and we can advise on the route to getting one.
Yes, and it is one of the most useful times to ask. Bring it in on trial from the seller, and we will tell you what we see. We have no interest in whether you buy it.
Twenty minutes to half an hour for most instruments, done while you wait. Anything that needs the instrument opened up or imaged takes longer and we will say so before starting.
Yes. Camber, weight, balance, the state of the head and frog, and whether a repair has been done well. Bring the bow you play with too, for comparison.
Photographs are a useful start and will often tell us whether a visit is worth your time. They are not a substitute for handling an instrument, and we will not give an opinion on condition from images alone.
Yes. The showroom at 49 Little Britain, London EC1A 7BH is by appointment only, Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. Book online or call 0330 133 4225.
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