Instrument Appraisals

Appraisal and repair are linked in important and fundamental ways.  Before deciding how much to spend on repair or restoration, the owner of the instrument or bow should be carefully advised about the value, 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 in at an auction.

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Appraisal Costs

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

Instruments and bows not purchased from our shop may be brought in for insurance valuations. A fee of $95.00 is charged for a written instrument apprasial, (this includes a case and bow).  An additional $40.00 is is charged for extra bows.  Bows may be appraised individually for $55.00.  Cases are generally included at no extra cost.  Verbal appraisals of value are $35.00.

We suggest updating your insurance appraisal every few years.  For instruments previously purchased from our shop, there is a $20.00 fee to update.  Instruments which were not purchased from Stamell Strings, but which were previously appraised by us, will be charged a $15.00 fee for each item updated on the new appraisal.

Repair estimates and restoration estimates will incur a $35.00 fee, which will then be deducted from the final repair invoice. 

Please note that in order to complete an instrument appraisal, we will need to see the instrument.  Please contact us to make an appointment - info@stamellstring.com.