A documented record of a violin, viola or cello's physical condition, produced in our own workshop with infrared and ultraviolet imaging and full professional photography. Included with every antique instrument we sell, and available as a standalone service.
A condition report is a dated record of what an instrument is, physically, on the day it was examined. It records structural condition, previous repairs and the state of the varnish. Every finding is numbered, located on a diagram of the instrument, and assessed for significance.
| Service | Price | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Condition report | Quoted individually | 14 days |
Reports are produced at the bench and cannot be done remotely. The instrument is examined under magnification, then imaged in infrared and under ultraviolet light, front, back, sides and scroll. Each report is issued under a reference number and a revision, signed and dated, so that a later examination has something to be measured against.
| Included | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Written findings | Numbered and located | Each finding classed as structural or surface, and assessed for significance |
| Condition diagrams | Front, back, ribs, scroll | Every finding marked in place on a drawing of the instrument |
| Photography | Full set | Studio photographs as displayed throughout our website |
| Infrared imaging | Front, back and ribs | Can reveal repaired cracks, internal patches and wood worm damage |
| Ultraviolet imaging | Front, back and ribs | Highlights differences in varnish, retouching and later surface restoration |
A report records our professional opinion based on visual inspection of the instrument as presented, without disassembly unless noted. It is not a valuation, not an attribution, and not a guarantee against future deterioration. Where a finding cannot be established conclusively, it is identified as probable or possible. Reports are quoted individually, and supplied at no charge with every antique instrument sold by MyLuthier.
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Ariel Lang and Pedro Silva started MyLuthier as students at the Royal Academy of Music, and both still play. Reports are produced in house by our resident luthier Sing Him Wong, a graduate with merit of ILSA Antwerpen, and issued over the signature of a director. Every instrument is examined on the bench, and every finding in the report is one we can show you.
A dated record of an instrument's physical condition: structural state, past repairs, varnish, fittings and setup. Each finding is numbered, located on a diagram of the instrument, and assessed for significance.
Written findings, condition diagrams of front, back, ribs and scroll, a full set of colour-calibrated photography, and infrared and ultraviolet imaging of front and back. Every report is issued under a reference number, signed and dated.
No. A condition report describes physical condition and expresses no opinion on maker or date. Where an instrument carries a certificate from a recognised expert, we reference it. Where it does not, we say so. If what you need is an attribution, we can tell you who to approach.
Infrared and ultraviolet light reveal different information from ordinary photography. Infrared imaging can make repaired cracks, retouching and other features easier to distinguish, while ultraviolet fluorescence can highlight differences between varnish, wear and later surface restoration. Used alongside direct examination and magnification, they give us a more complete record of an instrument's condition than visible-light photography alone.
Reports are quoted individually, depending on the instrument and the depth of examination required. Photography can be commissioned on its own. A full report is included at no charge with every antique instrument we sell.
Fourteen days from examination to delivered report. The instrument is with us for the examination and imaging, and returned once that is complete.
A condition report provides an insurer with a dated photographic and written record of the instrument's condition, which can be valuable when arranging cover or documenting a later claim. Requirements vary between insurers. A condition report is not a valuation, so if you also need a current market figure we offer insurance valuations separately.
Yes. Reports are available on any violin, viola or cello, wherever it was bought and whoever made it.
Yes. The examination and imaging are done in our own workshop, so the instrument needs to be with us. Leave it with us at 49 Little Britain, London EC1A 7BH, or clients in the United Kingdom can send it by post.