The short version
- Typical range: £45 – £300
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Music & Instruments
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used violin is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for violins, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £300 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £255 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £195 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £135 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £75 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a violin
- Older instruments with a documented maker or workshop
- Solid carved tops rather than laminate
- A sound post and bridge correctly fitted
- Bow and case included, particularly a good bow
What lowers it
- Laminated student instruments, which sell for very little
- Open seams and cracks in the top
- Warped necks or a collapsed bridge
- Missing or warped bows
How to work out what yours is worth
- Look through the f-hole for a maker’s label and note what it says
- Check the seams around the edge for openings
- Confirm the bridge stands straight and the sound post is in place
Once you have those three answers you can place your own violin on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a violin is valuable?
Look through the f-hole for a label, and check whether the top is carved or laminated. Genuinely old instruments should be assessed by a specialist.
Are labels inside violins reliable?
Often not — many are aspirational copies rather than genuine attributions. Report what the label says without claiming it is authentic.
Is the bow worth much?
It can be worth more than a student violin. Good bows are valued separately, so mention what you have.
More value guides: music & instruments guides · all value guides · browse live music & instruments listings.