Violin Forum/Message Board

[kubasa]

How do you all display your instruments? I've seen displays hanging from strings by the neck/scroll. I've also seen them in their own little boxes in the slot/shelf type setup. I have mine hanging in a glass display cabinet. Might be a dumb question but is there any advantage or disadvantage of one display method over another?

Thanks for any input. This is something I've been curious about for some time now.

James

[Mat Roop]

Hi James... I hang mine by the scroll.... I think that has the least effect on the instrument and it allows it to be fully exposed to sound, light and air.
I've seen the box type but sliding the instrument in and out requires handling by the body and will invariably wear the varnish on the edges... not to mention it does not display the violin well at all.
I like your "hanging in a glass display cabinet"... keeps the dust off and prevents any accidental bumping..... but in my case, the glass cabinet would be worth more than my violins
Cheers, Mat

[kubasa]

Hi Mat,

Well my glass cabinet is probably worth more than my violins also!! It is an antique China cabinet that I gutted on the inside and fixed up for displaying violins. It servers the purpose. It only holds 9?? I can't remember right now. I'm needing more space so I've been thinking about other methods of displaying or holding violins so that's what prompted my question.

I appreciate the comments about edge wear. I hadn't thought of that!

Thanks-
James

[Michael Darnton]

I've seen quite a few violins with new, uh, "features" under the scroll from hanging on dealers' wires. The best strategy I've ever seen used the usual violin dealer's slotted storage, but with glass on the floors of the slots so that the edges would be against a non-abrasive surface. I see less problem storing them on edges if the edges are on the right thing than any plan that puts the full weight of the violin on something under the chin of the volute.
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[kubasa]

I always wondered if those wires did damage. I figured they did. I use thin cotton shoelaces. It doesn't seem to damage anything but it still has the full weight on it like you say, Michael.

[kjb]

on the a string peg, but I only deal with under $1000 instruments. ,,