Old Musical Instruments & Modern Reproductions!

[Herman]

Do banks or multi millionaires buy instruments to lease them to performers, or simply like any other asset?

They buy them as an investment, and lend them to (usually) famous soloists. It's not a lease. Often they require a honorouble mention in program books.

I have never understood musicians who travel around with such incredibly valuable instruments, especially since some of these musicians have a habit of leaving their stuff in taxi cabs and train racks. I suspect many of musicians perform concerts on a modern copy and just don't mention it.

[Szykneij]

Just came across this article about a Strad donated to the New England Conservatory to be auctioned off for student scholarships.

https://www.aol.com/stradivari-violin-heads-auction-15-171834651.html

While not worth the $18 million estimate of the violin in the article, the violin pictured is one that I picked up at an antique place recently to be refurbished. It was in remarkably good shape, needing only a seam repair, nut reglue, soundpost resetting, strings, and some cleaning. It came in a wooden coffin case, so I'm estimating it to be well over 100 years old. It also had a bow that was pretty straight, which is unusual. It's been a while since I had the chance to do some repair work, so it felt good to get the glue pot cooking again.

 

[Szykneij]

The dangers of loaning priceless violins:

Charlatan borrowed priceless violins. But he was just stringing owners along.

https://www.aol.com/charlatan-borrowed-priceless-violins-just-101115920.html