Ethan Ladd @ Tarisio

Also, skiingfiddler already cited some definitions, but here is a link to more information about our Catalog Practice:

http://tarisio.com/p...at_practice.php

I have some questions for Tarisio or anybody who might have answers about the designations (catalog descriptions) of a violin as "fine" vs "good."

 

Tarisio defines the terms as follows:

 

"Fine: of exceptional quality and/or workmanship"

"Good: of good quality and workmanship"

 

Questions:

 

1. Does tone play a role in those designations?

 

2. Are these designations within the context of the specific maker's work, or is the context that of violins in general?  For example, if a maker, who may be known for rather casual workmanship, produces a fiddle of more careful workmanship that he/she generally would but still not as careful as many other makers, would that fiddle be a "fine," because the comparison is with the fiddles of that specific maker, and not with all violins, in general? Conversely, would a maker who generally produces instruments of high quality and workmanship have a harder time getting a "fine" designation, because instruments of high quality and workmanship are the norm for that maker, and not the exception?

 

3. Do the designations of "fine" and "good" have anything to do with condition and number of repairs?

 

4. Does age of the instrument play a role in the fine/good designations?

 

5. In a typical Tarisio fine instrument auction, roughly what percentage of instruments would be designated as "fine," what percentage as "good"?

 

6. What conclusions can we draw about an instrument which receives neither a "fine" nor "good" designation, nor any other designation?

 

7. Can designations which are not mutually exclusive, such as "good" and "important," both be attributed to an instrument, or is the policy of designation to give only one?

 

Thanks for any responses.

1) No.  As members of this board know well, sound is subjective to the listener and dependent on a good many variables in the setup.

2) Yes.  These designations are made in context (of the maker's work and the larger spectrum of instruments)

3) Yes.  These designations are made in context (of the condition and number of repairs)

4) No.  A notable instrument is a notable instrument regardless of age.

5) We've never taken count.  

6) No specific conclusions should be drawn. Many, many worthwhile instruments are bought and sold every year, at our house and others, that do not have "good" or "fine" attached to them.

7) There are no rules against multiple descriptors.  E.g. the 'Lady Blunt' was "FINE AND IMPORTANT"

The only additional comment I can add is that we do our best to apply these descriptors deliberately and equitably so as not to dilute their meaning. Their use should be noted, but bear in mind that these terms are not as concrete as other components of the catalog descriptions, such as "By," "Ascribed to," etc..

As always, we invite community members to reach out when questions arise.  eladd@tarisio.com or 1.800.814.4188.  Best of luck in the auction!

Oops!  Apologies to David Burgess for the typo.  It is now corrected on the website.

And many thanks for your patience, Walter, while we finish photos within a few days.  Please feel free to inquire with us.  I can guarantee a quicker response for any of your questions with a direct inquiry.

eladd@tarisio.com

info@tarisio.com

+1.800.814.4188

Best of luck to you in the auction!

We don't know that you've had the chance to see the violin in person. The varnish is exceptionally well preserved and it's a real treat to see. Please contact us if you'd like to arrange an appointment.

Best wishes

Caspace,

It wasn't a coincidence, you're right!  And thanks for pointing it out.

Those records, etc., at the end of the lot page are most useful when a lot is "BY" a maker.  Hence, you were right to ask the question "which maker?"  This violin is associated with the Nemessanyi school in our catalog, and so the results for instruments "BY" Samuel Nessanyi  were removed.

This should clarify the market, or at least the auction, because it emphasizes the distinction between those instruments "BY" a maker and those that associated in other ways.

We're always happy to chat - post or PM with any questions!

Best wishes,

Ethan