Why do used violins cost more than new ones?

Answer 1

The older the violin, the better the sound, in most cases. New ones don't have their ultimate sound yet, but they are cheaper. A new violin, well made, will have a very good sound the day it is finished, but if it is a truly well made violin, constructed of good materials, it will always ripen with age and "sing" better as it gets older. It is universally believed that the aging of the spruce in the violin's top is a part of this, but most experts in the field also believe chemical changes in the varnish also play a distinct role in the process.

Answer 2

There is much debate over this. Some would say that they aren't, that new, carbon-fiber violins can out perform any violin. Others dismiss this saying that even though the tone of these new, high tech fiddles is louder and they are much more stable and resilient, their tone is less desirable to wooden violins. By "Old Violins," I assume that you mean the Great Masters Stradivari, Amati and Guarneri. It has been theorized that the wood these instruments was carefully selected from timbers that grew on the north side of mountains and also grew during years that were particularly conducive to very close, tight growth rings which make for greater resonance. Suffice to say that these masters knew how to select and season their timbers. Additionally, the varnish used may have had special properties, possibly a secret formula which has been lost. it has also been theorized that they may have had special techniques for seasoning the timbers which have also been lost. However, one should also realize that these instruments have also been altered over time. The bass bars and sound posts in these instruments now are not original and the strings and bows used were also much different to say nothing for the aging effects of centuries which some say is not unlike that aging of fine wines.

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The questioner stated a fact not in evidence. It is a fact however, proved in a double blind test a few years ago, using great master instruments against the finest modern instruments that several modern ones surpased the masters.

Dave Lashof

Answer 3

An old one most likely since over time if someone keeps playing on it it will get better. Then the new maybe better since it might be made good. There's a big possibility for both.