Stamell Stringed Instruments Workshop...

THE CRAFTSMEN WHO PLY THEIR TRADE in the workshop of Stamell Stringed Instruments are trained professionals. We specialize in the maintenance, repair and restoration of violins, violas, cellos and basses. We will help you make an informed decision about how to best repair your beloved instrument or bow, inform you of its value, and walk you through the process. By choosing our shop you will be guaranteed the best value and assured of the long-term viability of your instrument or bow.

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IN ORDER TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION about how to REPAIR your instrument or bow, you must first know its value and authenticity. As certified violin appraisers, we are in a unique position to first advise you about the value of the instrument or bow. As a member of the Appraisers Association of America, Matt Stamell is a specialist in the authenticity and value of stringed instruments. By entrusting your instrument or bow to us for care, you are assured not only of top quality craftsmanship, but also of receiving the correct repair for your particular instrument.
AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF YOUR INSTRUMENT OR BOW, we will prepare a written estimate of repair or RESTORATION. In many instances, we will present several possible options for repair. We will then consult with you to help you make an informed decision about how to proceed. We guarantee your complete satisfaction with our work. Any repair which requires us to remove the top or back of your instrument will be guaranteed for as long as you own the instrument. Not only do we guarantee our craftsmanship, we also will ensure that your instrument sounds as good as it possibly can.
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We will need to see your instrument in order to give you correct advice about set up, repair, restoration, and value. EVERY INSTRUMENT IS FULLY INSURED WHILE IN OUR POSSESSION.
Please follow the shipping instructions below:

Be sure to include your name, address, phone, and email address when sending your instrument or bow. Also, please let us know why you are sending us your instrument, i.e. for repair, appraisal, etc.

To print Shipping Instructions:
 

How to Pack an Instrument for Shipping
Note: Please call us for information regarding shipping Cellos and Bows.

  1. Prepare violin for shipping:
  A. Loosen strings slightly, but keep some tension on the bridge.
B. Wrap the tailpiece in a clean material. (ie: white paper toweling)
C. Secure the bridge, putting a piece of padding (clean cloth, white paper toweling, foam) between the bridge and tailpiece, and also between the bridge and the finger-board.
D. Wrap fingerboard extension with paper toweling to protect instrument in case fingerboard gets pressed down.
2. Place violin in case, adding enough padding to keep the violin from moving around in the case.
3. Make sure the bow is secured in the bow holder, and the bow hair is loosened.
4. Pad the case in the box so that the case does not actually touch the box. Bubble wrap or shredded newspaper is good for packing the case in the box.
5. Make sure the box is sealed shut, with the word "FRAGILE" written in large letters on the outside of the box.
6. Insure the instrument (bow and case) for full value.
7. Always insure for the full value, and always ship so the instrument will arrive at its destination quickly.

Note: In general, when packing for shipping, pack tight enough to keep the instrument from moving during shipping, but loose enough to avoid undue pressure on the instrument.

 

Appraisal and repair are linked in important and fundamental ways. Before deciding how much to spend on repair or restoration, the owner should be carefully advised about the value of the instrument or bow, the "as is" value as well as the potential value in a well repaired condition. Stringed instruments and bows have several different values depending on a variety of factors. One value placed on instruments is an "insurance value." This is generally the highest value, usually higher than the retail value. This is to ensure that in case of loss, the object could be replaced with something of equal or greater value. The higher amount provides a cushion for replacement. The "retail value" is generally the amount an instrument or bow is sold for by a dealer. Instruments and bows which are in disrepair are also sold in an "as is" condition for an amount which is generally substantially below the retail value. Finally, there is an "auction value," which is the amount an instrument or bow would bring at auction.

Each instrument or bow purchased from Stamell Stringed Instruments is accompanied by an insurance appraisal at no extra charge.

Instruments and bows not purchased from our shop may be left for insurance valuations. A fee of $75.00 is charged for an instrument apprasial, can also include the case and bow.) An additional $30.00 is is charged for extra bows.  Bows may be appraised individually for $45.00.  Cases are generally included at no extra cost. We suggest updating your insurance every few years. There is no charge for this service for instruments which were purchased from our shop.

Verbal appraisals of value are $25.  Instruments which were not purchased from Stamell Strings, but which were previously appraised by us, will be charged a $10.00 fee for each item updated on the new appraisal. Repair estimates and restoration estimates are given free of charge.

Matt Stamell is a member of The American Appraisers Association, with a specialty in Musical Instruments.

18 KELLOGG AVENUE AMHERST MA 01002 Toll Free: 1-800-766-0936 P. 413-256-0936 F. 413-256-8692
Email: INFO@STAMELLSTRING.COM
HOURS: MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 10-6 EST; SATURDAY 10-4 EST
COPYRIGHT © 2001 STAMELL STRINGED INSTRUMENTS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED