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About Todd Sullivan
Expertise
Hello, I am a NYC violinist performing for Broadway shows, symphony orchestras, opera, and sundry theatre/pop tours. I would be happy to answer your questions about anything related to being a performer in the music business. I play both violin and viola professionally, so questions on playing either instrument are welcome. The only thing I am not well informed on is information concerning instruments/bows...those questions are best left to luthiers.
Experience
Professional experience includes a variety of on/off Broadway tours and shows, numerous orchestras, tours with Ray Charles and Ann Murray orchestras, leader of the 20-piece Todd Sullivan Orchestra.
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Fine Arts (violin) with honors from Carnegie Mellon University (1999)
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You are here: Experts > Music/Performing Arts > Musical Instruments > Violin > When to upgrade?
Expert: Todd Sullivan
Date: 5/13/2008
Subject: When to upgrade?
Question
Dear Todd,
I have been playing on my first full sized violin, made by Yong Cheng Xu, for the past 8-9 years. I like the way my violin sounds, and have tried out some high quality instruments, but I am still not sure if I am ready to get a new violin. And if I am ready, in your opinion would it be better to get an instrument that sounds good without a high
sell back price, or something that sounds a little better than the violin I have now but will sell back for more than the price that I paid for it?
Thanks,
Brian
Answer
I have never known a fine violin that decreases in value unless you run it over with a car, so you should not take sell-back price into account unless you are in it purely for financial investment. Since it sounds like you are in this as a musician, your first responsibility is the sound that comes out and the comfort you have playing it. I therefore recommend that you go with the best quality instrument that is in your price range. If you want a better financial potential with upside you could try a new instrument from a top modern maker; if you break it in and it blossoms into a great instrument in 10 years you would probably make some money on re-sale. I personally prefer to pick my instruments on tone quality and leave my investments to the mutual funds.
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