In 1971 Stradivari's 1721 "Lady Blunt" violin sold at a Sotheby's auction for a then record-shattering $200,000; it was recently resold through a dealer to the Nippon Music Foundation for nearly $10M. In 2003 the "Carrodus" Guarneri was purchased $4.5M; four years later it was sold for $7M. Other Guarneri violins are currently on the market for $12M and $20M. These prices reflect an upward trend that has been relatively unaffected by the recent "credit crunch" and the 2008 stock market crash. As in previous economic downturns, violins have proven to be an excellent hedge, though unlike other collectibles, such as fine paintings, violins are resistant to fads and changing fashions--they represent one of the mainstays of Western culture for 500  years.

Directed by Stewart Pollens, one of the world’s leading musical instrument conservators and violin authorities, Violin Advisor, LLC is a consulting firm that advises musicians, collectors, institutions, and investors on the acquisition of fine violins.

Why Select Violin Advisor?

Violin Advisor, LLC independently evaluates instruments being offered by the principal dealers, private sellers, and major auction houses, in order to assist its clients in making the best choice among the instruments on the market.

Our clients include The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, whom we assisted in the landmark 2007 sale/lend-back arrangement of its "Golden Age" collection of fine stringed instruments.  Most recently we matched a client with a Stradivarius violin made in 1672.

We offer a complete range of services that includes:

• Instrument selection for musicians, investors, collectors, and institutions

• Condition and damage reports for appraisals and insurance claims

• Scientific dating and material analysis

• Technical documentation and photography for certificates and publication

• Conservation

• Collection management

• Investment enhancement through public relations, publication, and loan of instruments to distinguished soloists, orchestras, and non-profit institutions such as conservatories and museums

Violin made by Petrus Guarnerius of Venice in 1742.  You are hearing this violin in an excerpt from Ravel's "Tzigane." Used regularly in concerts by a well-known soloist, this instrument was appraised at $40,000 in 1980 and at $725,000 in 2009.