In 1971 Stradivari's 1721 "Lady Blunt" violin sold at a Sotheby's auction for a then record-shattering $200,000. In 2008 it was sold through a dealer to the Nippon Music Foundation for $10M, and on June 20, 2011 it once again set an auction record for a violin when it sold for nearly $16M. In 2003 the "Carrodus" Guarneri was purchased $4.5M, though four years later it was resold for $7M. In 2009 "Kochanski" Guarneri violin sold for $10M, establishing a new record for that maker; however, the present asking price of the "Vieuxtemps" Guarneri is reportedly $18M, a figure that is likely to be achieved considering the extraordinary tonal qualities of that instrument. These prices reflect an upward trend that has been unaffected by the recent "credit crunch," the 2008 stock market crash, and present economic uncertainty. As in previous economic downturns, violins have proven to be a safe haven for investors, though unlike some high-end collectibles, violins are resistant to fads and changing fashions--they have been a mainstay of Western culture for the past 500 years and will remain so.

Directed by Stewart Pollens, one of the world’s leading musical instrument conservators and violin authorities, Violin Advisor, LLC is an independent consulting firm that advises musicians, collectors, institutions, and investors on the acquisition of fine stringed instruments. We physically examine the instruments that are being offered by the principal dealers, private sellers, and major auction houses in order to assist our clients in avoiding fakes and misattributed instruments, along with those having serious or undisclosed condition problems or poor playing characteristics.

In recent years, the market has been inundated with fraudulent scientific reports and counterfeit certificates. Violin Advisor, LLC evaluates all reports and documentation and may conduct its own tests to determine an instrument's age and authenticity.

We offer a range of services that includes:

• Authentication and appraisal

• 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