How do you find out what make a violin is?

Answer 1

Never on the outside. Very old instruments may have a paper label with the maker's name and date stuck inside, so it can be seen through one of the f-shaped sound holes.

Some newer instruments may have a paper label or some information stamped on the wood inside - but many mass-produced instruments may not have any information about the maker inside them at all.

However, whether the violin has a label inside it or not, because many fake "old" violins have been made, only a properly qualified expert who knows about violins can advise you about the likely true maker of any particular violin.

Answer 2

There isn't ONE maker! There are millions of makers! The most famous/best quality and also expensive violins are Strads - stradivarius, Amati are also worth millions too.

Modern makers' violins are pretty good too. Neil Ertz, Helen Mitchelschlager, Borowski, Macjeski, etc.

Answer 3

Look in the f holes of the violin and on the inner wood there should be a name and date. For example, on my violin it says the name of the maker, the date, and then it says copy of Antonius Stradioarius (the make).

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The above answer assumes what's written on a label is correct. In fact, more labels are wrong or misleading than are accurate. Even the example in the answer above is wrong as Stradivarius is the model not the make. So many violins may only say Antonius Stradivarius fecit ano 17___, that doesn't mean it was made by Stradivari in the 1700's. The only way to get an accurate idea of who made a specific violin is to have it evaluated in person at a violin shop. Even then, all you might find out for sure is an approximate age and country of origin.

Dave Lashof

Answer 4

Generally speaking, you can't. Simple as that.

Unless, of course, you have some great undiscovered masterpiece from a classic European builder, and even then it would be a guess, unless the maker kept detailed records of everything he/she built, and you had access to those records. Also, if you own a violin made by someone still alive, you could always ask them (such as an American-made violin).

If what you have is a German trade fiddle with the fake maker labels in them, you can't really tell. After 1921, makers were required to put Made in Germany in the violin, so if you have a German fiddle with a Made in Germany label, it's probably post 1921, although a lot of German shops used it before then.

Answer 5

There should be a paper or printed label inside of the violin. It can be seen best with a light source, as the print is at times small. If there is only a brand name or maker, look on-line and search for the country of origin, makers, etc.

Answer 6

If you look through the 'f' holes on the body of the instrument you should see a label inside the instrument with the maker's name on it.

Answer 7

You will often find it inside of the instrument. For example, on a violin, you look through the hole, and it will say a name or brand, etc

Answer 8

Christen Lee, a famous violin maker's stamp is a star on the bottom of the scroll.