Normally we don’t sell instruments in unrepaired or unplayable condition. However, things can be a bit crowded here so we’ve created the Yard Sale department. These instruments are sold “as is” with no approval privilege. They range from unabashed junk suitable for planters, wall hangings, dart boards or bizarre experiments, to good instruments needing extensive work but suitable for restoration. We will try to describe things as fairly and accurately as possible.
A few more thoughts about these instruments: While these instruments are certainly repairable, we don’t think that there is necessarily much to be gained by buying and then paying someone to do the repairs. If the repair was simple, we’d have already done it. The instruments we offer in the Yard Sale section are intended to provide worthwhile projects for someone doing their own repairs or learning repair. If you want an instrument to play, you are almost always better off buying one that is already playable before you spend the money. If you want a project, that’s another matter.
No photos are available for these instruments, and all Yard Sale instruments are sold “as is.” You are welcome to call for a detailed “in-hand” description. Please give us the reference number at the beginning of a listing when you contact us for more info and to confirm availability.
YARD SALE INSTRUMENTS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
YS304 – Crescendo 3/4 Size Violin
Inexpensive violin made in Korea. Strung and somewhat playable but would benefit from better set up. With case and bow. $85
YS341 – Amati copy label 7/8 Size Violin c. 1900
Medium grained spruce to, nicely flamed two piece back, back of scroll marked “Ladies Violin”. Peg holes bushed but not drilled, needs set up. $120
YS343 – Agostini Blanchi label 3/4 Size Violin c. 1930
A German trade violin, medium grained spruce top, lightly flamed two piece back. Currently set up but would benefit from fresh set up. $125
YS344 – Emanuel Huller label 3/4 Size Violin
Medium grained spruce top, a little wider toward the edges, nicely flamed two piece back, plainer ribs. $90
YS346 – C Meisel label 3/4 Size Violin
Small crack from upper eye of bass f hole, otherwise good. $60
YS356 – Stainer label 4/4 violin c. 1900
Lower grade German trade violin in a coffin case with two bows and an extra neck. $30
YS360 – E. R. Schmidt 3/4 violin c. 1910
Broken button, loose neck, with case and two bows. $15
YS362 – Strad label 15 1/2″ Viola c. 1910
German trade instrument with a nicely flamed two piece back and one major top crack. $120
YS363 – Triplett Excelle Wire Strung Harp recent
Walnut construction with spruce soundboard, 33 wire strings, full set of blade type sharping levers. Neck/pillar needs major repair, also a soundbox crack. Shipping not available for this item. Local pickup only. $350
YS364 – Ohana CK-14E
Concert uke with pickup, needs bridge reset. $25
YS365 – Strad copy 1/2 size Violin
Made in Romania, set up but could use some additional work. With case and Glasser bow. $120
YS366 – Strad copy 4/4 size Violin
Set up but could use some additional work, repaired button, with rough condition wood case. $175
YS368 – Keyser 3/4 Violin
Needs set up, with case and Glasser bow. $60
YS369 – Cremona 1/2 size Violin
Made in China, needs set up, with case. $60
YS370 – 4/4 Violin c. 1920
A German trade violin labelled Smelser Violin Shop, Oscaloosa, Iowa. Needs work, with older rough condition case. $70
YS371 – Conservatory 4/4 Violin c. 1920
Strad copy label, branded Conservatory Violin on back of pegbox. poor condition. $25
YS372 – Unlabelled 4/4 Violin c. 1920
One piece back, with rough condition rectangular molded hard shell case. $25
YS373 – Oscar Wittrup 4/4 Violin 1979
Made in Racine, WI. A little heavy and crude construction. $25
