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Violin/Jacobus Stainer Violin

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Expert: L. Dalton Potter - 4/24/2008


Question
I have a Jacobus Stainer violin that has been in my family over 100 years.Marked Stainer on the back and inside label says: Jacobus Stainer in Absam-PropeOeniponlom 1665- should I look for a serial number and where? Just curious about the history and the value, if any. Thanks

Answer
Hi Marcia,
Jacob Stainer was a really GREAT maker and his instruments are very well thought of by professional makers and players. His work has been widely copied and unfortunately, the easiest way to identify the copies is by the brand on the back that you describe (real Stainer violins never have this mark). The average value for the type of violin you describe is around $800 - $1000 in perfect condition. These are older student instruments made in the late 1800's and generally have a nice sound for fiddle or country music. They are not really appropriate for serious classical music studies because they can't be made to sound like the great European classic violins sound so the student gets frustrated trying to accomplish something that can't be done.

Hope this Helps!

Dalton Potter

Violin

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L. Dalton Potter

Expertise

I have been involved in the violin trade for over 30 years. I am currently the President and CEO of The Potter Violin Company in Bethesda, MD. I can offer clients initial opinions on the value, authenticity and quality of almost all bowed string instruments (violins, violas, cellos & basses) based on good quality digital photos. I would decline to give any financial evaluations without examining instruments in person. Please do not ask me to offer an opinion without providng me photos; I cannot help you unless you give me something more to go on than just telling me what the label says.

Experience

Experience in Music Business: Charlie Byrd's Music House; 1977 - 1980. Senior violin technician: Violin House of Weaver; 1980 - 1996. President: The Potter Violin Company; 1996 - Present

Organizations
String Industry Council (Founding Member & current President), Violin Society of America, American String Teachers Association (currently; National Board Member), Suzuki Association of America, ASTA MD/DC - Board Member (currently; Industry Representative), Guild of American Luthiers, American Society of Appraisers.

Publications
Kitchen Table Violin Repairs; an Emergency Manual for String Players and Teachers(author). Amercan String Teacher Magazine, Journal of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, Strings Magazine, Journal of Guild American Luthierie

Education/Credentials
Berklee College of Music

Awards and Honors
The Chester J. Petranek (2003) award for "Outstanding Community Service in enrichment of the musical life of the Washington metropolitan area." Traugott Rohner Leadership in the Music Industry Award: Dalton Potter; The Potter Violin Company, 2008 ASTA sponsorship recognition awards - too numerous to list.

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