J.S. Holmes offers a wide variety of services, described below. Please contact us by phone or email to discuss your needs in more detail.
J.S. Holmes Fine Violins specializes in middle to high-end violins, violas, cellos, and bows for professionals, serious conservatory students and collectors. Find more information on the instruments and bows page or make an appointment to view a selection of instruments currently available at the J.S. Holmes shop.
The condition, playability and value of a fine old instrument are indisputably linked. It is critical that the instrument be maintained in a way that preserves original materials, characteristics and finish. To this end, invasive repair techniques as well as aggressive cleaning, excessive retouching or polishing of delicate varnishes are to be avoided.
J.S. Holmes Fine Violins offers responsible conservation and restoration for fine stringed instruments. A conservative philosophy and approach ensure that the integrity of the original is preserved while the physical stability is maintained.
J. S. Holmes Fine Violins is happy to consider appealing instruments and bows for consignment sale or purchase. Consignment rates are competitive and the sales agreement is clear and unambiguous.
The commission rate is normally 20%, with a (lower) sliding scale applied to items in the highest price ranges. My over three decades of experience dealing with the instrument market means that you can be assured of appropriate valuations, sale advice and an effective marketing program.
If you are seeking an independent or second opinion when considering the purchase or sale of an instrument or bow or wish to become better informed concerning what is available for sale in the market before making a purchase decision, J.S. Holmes Fine Violins offers consultation services at an hourly rate. Please contact the shop concerning your needs. I will be happy to discuss the situation and recommend a course of action or set an appointment so we can talk over your options.
J.S. Holmes Fine Violins offers several types of appraisals for your instruments and bows:
Insurance Appraisal: The most common type of appraisal requested by clients, an insurance appraisal evaluates the replacement value (cost to replace the item on the retail market within a reasonable amount of time) of an instrument or bow.
Fair Market Appraisal: This type of appraisal is used to establish the value of an item for resale or estate purposes. The fair market value is the price that property would sell for on the open market, i.e., a price that would be agreed on between a willing buyer and willing seller.
Charitable Donation Appraisal: This is similar to a fair market value appraisal, but with additional information. This type of document is used when donating property to a qualified organization.
Certificate of Origin: A certificate presents an expert opinion of authorship and/or origin with photographs attached. No value is stated on this type of document, but a certificate is usually accompanied by an insurance appraisal.