The
used instrument industry relies on people continuing to believe in
the inherent value of older string instruments. Some of
them truly are magnificent pieces of work, but it’s imperative that
you know all the facts before making a decision. Beware of
certain lines that may not be completely true. For
example:
1. They don’t make them like they used
to.
Prodigy begs to
disagree. Our workshops build Prodigy string
instruments in exactly the same manner, using the same
techniques as the old masters in 19th century Europe. While
many European manufacturers now use automation including
machines and robotics in the building of string instruments,
Prodigy string instruments are still 100% hand-made. This
means quite simply, we make them like they used
to
. So the main advantage of an older
instrument is also found in a new Prodigy instrument
today.
2. Older string instruments sound
better.
While there are certainly many fine
examples of old string instruments that still sound beautiful
today, it’s not simply because of time passing. An
instrument’s sound is determined more by how it was
made, and what materials were used
, rather
than on how long ago its birthday was. Another factor to
consider is how well it was repaired throughout its
life
3. String instruments get better with
age.
Violins are not like wine. They don’t
inherently become better simply by waiting. And while it’s
true that a two hundred year old masterpiece violin might be
an excellent example of a fine used instrument, the fact is
that particular instrument would have produced a
wonderful sound the first time it was
played
.
Unless you know the complete history of a used
instrument, you don’t know if it has spent a significant
period of time without the caring touch of a performer.
Abandonment is among the worst circumstances that can befall
string instruments. A used violin that isn’t played
regularly will deteriorate with every passing year.
Like any fine musical instrument, your Prodigy model
will go through a breaking-in period. And therefore its sound
will mellow and improve as it is played. When
you choose a new Prodigy instrument, you will experience its
complete history, and be able to pass this information on.
This results in a higher resale value for
you.
4. Older string instruments look
better.
Some people judge string instruments by
how old they look. The musicians who choose Prodigy care more
about sound quality and playability than whether the
instrument looks like it was made a hundred years ago.
Appearance is one of our priorities. That’s why we use such
beautiful flamed-maple and spruce. Prodigy string instruments
have the appearance and sound quality of much more
expensive models
. The people who really matter will be judging you on
the sound of your music, not on your instrument’s age. See why
Prodigy string instruments are such a
great value
.
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