What Sells: String Instruments

String instruments are musical instruments that are played by plucking, strumming, picking or bowing the strings. Of the family of string instruments, banjos, mandolins, violas and violins sell relatively well online; larger instruments like cellos, basses and harps are affected by heftier shipping costs, but top models still sell well.

The Western European violin can trace its origin to the 16th century. But, the years from 1650 to 1750 have been called the most illustrious century for violin manufacturing. Mandolins originate from one of the oldest known instruments, the lute; however, the mandolin was not introduced to popular American culture until the 1850s. The slave trade brought the banjo to the Americas in the 1600s and it took root within the broader culture during the Minstrel period that preceded the Revolutionary War.

Antique violins can be worth a small fortune, which makes them a frequent target of copycats. If someone asks you to sell a 1793 Stradivarius, make sure the instrument comes with an appraisal from a reputable antique dealer or instrument shop. Forgeries are often very difficult to detect and best left to the experts.

Fiddle magazine provides a directory of violin bow makers and repairers. Visit the website at http://www.fiddle.com/links_repair.htm.

Yahoo! also provides a robust directory of websites that specialize in stringed instruments. Visit the website athttp://dir.yahoo.com/Entertainment/Music/Instruments/Stringed_Instruments/.

Look for these signs of wear and tear:

• Scratches and scuffs
• Cracked, split or broken wood
• Missing pegs, chinrest or other parts
• Broken or missing strings
• Dirt
• Missing bow, strap, case, etc.

Ask the owner how often the instrument was used, and whether it was ever serviced or repaired. If you don’t know how to play the instrument, ask them for a demonstration and have them point out any problems with the sound or playability of the instrument.

Keep string instruments in a well-ventilated room, away from children, pets, smoke, water and cooking odors. Don’t place them in direct sunlight. Do not place instruments next to heating vents or air conditioners either, since the temperature and humidity changes can cause damage.

String instruments should be stored and shipped in hardshell impact-resistant cases designed to hold the specific instrument. The case not only protects the instrument from scratches, direct hits, etc., but it also helps regulate sudden changes in temperature and humidity.

To complement this protection, the use of a well-padded case cover is strongly recommended. It not only adds an extra layer of insulation, but also absorbs shock. In addition, case covers usually have a shoulder strap that makes local transportation more convenient.

If you have a good case and case cover, loosen all strings on the instrument to reduce tension on the neck and remove movable parts such as bridges on banjos and mandolins. Make sure all small items (humidifier pads, string packs, string winders, etc.) are either kept inside the case compartment, or carried separately. Wrap each item in paper or plastic and secure with tape. Store them in the case pocket, if possible, or clearly label and attach them to the instrument. If these items are not wrapped properly, they come loose in shipping and can cause damage to the instrument.

Lay the instrument in its case and place packing material under heel, neck and peghead and around any loose spots around the body. Be careful not to over-pack and force the case cover down onto instrument. With banjos, make sure the heel is cushioned and fully supported.

Seal up any holes and, if the instrument is heavy, reinforce the interior with a second layer of cardboard. Insure your instrument whether you ship by UPS, FedEx, or Post Office. If a hard case and cover are not available, talk to your shipper about having a crate made for the item.