Since 2013 Amati has helped thousands of clients realise the value held in their antique violins, cellos, violas and bows.

Our Specialists can help you discover who your instrument was made by, and recommend an auction value.

Auction valuation appointments are offered free of charge.

Complete the form to reserve your preferred time slot. We shall look forward to meeting you and your instrument.

If you have any questions please call the office on +44 (0)20 7099 7114.

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To register your interest in a free valuation for your item when we are next in London, fill in your details below.

Our specialists travel the world and offer free valuations of violins, cellos, violas and bows. The discovery of a beautiful instrument is always a special event.

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During your appointment, our specialists will be able to advise what the current market value is for your instrument. If necessary, we run a process which will include archive research, consultancy and more.

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If you are interested in selling your item, we can also recommend which auction will be the most appropriate for the sale of your instrument. We then take your instrument to our UK offices and prepare for auction.

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Your instrument is then listed in the most appropriate online auction. We aim to achieve a fair price for the instruments that we sell. Amati has an excellent sales rate, with many of our auctions achieving 90% sales.

Alternative Valuation Days

Jan
26

10:00 - 17:00 GMT

The Langham Hotel, 1C Portland Place
London, W1B 1JA
United Kingdom

Jan
27

09:00 - 17:00 GMT

The Langham Hotel, 1C Portland Place
London, W1B 1JA
United Kingdom

Feb
10

10:00 - 17:00 GMT

The Langham Hotel, 1C Portland Place
London, W1B 1JA
United Kingdom

Meet the Specialists

James Buchanan

James is an expert in examining and valuing stringed musical instruments. He has worked for Bonhams, Christies, and was a founding member of Brompton's. Amati was formed in 2013 and the rest, they say, is history.

About us

A team with 20 years experience

The specialists at Amati have spent years travelling around the world looking at violins, violas, and cellos. The discovery of a beautiful stringed instrument is always a special event.

The violin sitting in your attic or lying under your bed was once treasured by someone and could be worth a lot of money today. Even bows can be worth a lot of money and valuation days can often reveal some very special violin or cello bows.

Read our reviews

The widow of a well-known Eastern European violinist brought us his violin to value. We knew straight away that the instrument was a good one – it had a gorgeous back of oppio wood, a reliable indicator of quality.

Read our reviews

There were a number of makers who could have made the violin, so extensive research was necessary and the research took some time.

Read our reviews

Eventually, the violin was sold for a good price and the client was very happy. I think she enjoyed the relaxed and informal nature of the valuation day. She also appreciated the care we took with our research on her instrument.

Why do we value instruments for free?

We are often asked why we offer free stringed instruments valuations. The simple answer is because some people wish to sell their items and we hope they will sell through us. There is, of course, absolutely no obligation, expectation or assumption from us that this will be the case.

We are happy for people to request a valuation because they want to learn more about the instrument’s origin. We understand that many people become very attached to their items, particularly if they have played them for a long time, or the item has been in the family for generations. We also understand that it makes people feel better to own something beautiful and valuable.

However, there are often times when you might feel that a sale is either necessary or desirable. You may no longer play your instrument, or you need the money, or there is no one who wishes to play the family violin. Whatever the reason, the decision to sell will always be your decision.

And, if you do choose to sell, be assured that we at Amati will respect and care for your instrument throughout the auction process, and do our utmost to get the best possible price for it.

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