Auction items of the week are two violins that collectors will find to be intersting. First up is a violin labeled Lyon & Healy. The instrument was likely to have been made in Germany for the famous Chicago based shop. The company has had its roots of instrument production in Boston since the late 19th century when it was primarily making banjos and mandolins. A little after the turn of the century, the company started some aggressive advertisizng campaigns as it geared up for competition against Gibson Guitar makers, based in Kalamazoo. Second, another German violin labeled E. Martin. This item is similar in time period and likely to have been made in Markneikeurkin Germany. We're currently thinking extending some of the bidding period for some of these auctions, as we have made the violin labeled Lyon & Healy a 10-day Auction. In other news, another potential auction instrument has come to our shop recently. We think this one could be a quite a big catch for any eBayers out there. We're still assessing what repairs need to be done to bring it back up to par value but it is definitely worth the time. Will let you all know more about the maker and the details in another entry. -Ollavaca

Recent auction item added today was a violin labeled A.R. Seidel.  This is different from the recent Seidel violin we auctioned off a few days ago.  It's a German violin that was likely to be made between 1960s and 70s.  It comes with a case and bow as well.  This time, it's listed for a 10 Day Auction.

Another item we've listed is an old wooden violin case for 99 Cents!  We're currently experimenting with some of these cases to see if anyone on eBay are interested.  Many of these cases came from dusty closets of people who've brought their instruments to be appraised or inspected at the shop.  The instrument would often be of value but we wouldn't know what to do with these cases.  Some are real collector's items, such as aligator skin cases, but even then many don't have the suspension system to protect an instrument.  The cases may not serve its originally designed purpose, but we figure artists or craftsmen might find them to be of creative interest.

In other news, we've finally sold a case on Amazon!  Although we've sold a small number of accessories and covers, it's the first time we've sold a real case.

-Ollavaca

Instrument of the week for our eBay auction is a violin labeled Guido Leoni.

Out of the last 8 instruments that our friend has consigned to us, this the 5th one to be listed.  Our friend was so delighted by the success that he went searching for more instruments in his house.  He managed to find another violin.  The weekly task of listing instruments online has become a fun routine around the shop.

Other auction ideas we have been pondering.  We are thinking of continuing with more of our mixed assortments string instrument parts.  We were so surprised by eBayers jumping onto these mixed lots that we have started to run low on them.  Not to worry though, as we are currently ordering a supply of some very unique handcarved fittings from India.  We think we can offer some very special items at a low price that many eBay stores or auctions can not compete with.  More news on these future lots whenever we finish our purchase order.

Meanwhile, keep your bidding eye open.

-Ollavaca

Up next, we have another lot of fittings for auction.  A mixed assortment of 8 pegs, 4 tailpieces, 4 fine tuners, and 2 endbuttons.
We think the real gem out of this item are the 4 pegs with gold buttons.

In other news, the our last auction off the Tyrolean ended.  We were hoping that it could sell for a little more but all is well.

New violin to auction tomorrow, perhaps a violin labeled Guido Leoni or maybe another Stradivarius Copy.
We'll see what we can list as soon as we are done shipping off instruments tomorrow morning.

-Ollavaca

Last Friday, the shop was notified by a well known contemporary violin maker that one of his violins he sold about 5 years ago had disappeared.  The player who had bought the instrument had aparently lost it in Omaha.

Assignment for the day, round up all local Pawn shops.
Lo and behold, the first number we called up said they had it!

Trying to sound not too interested, but we casually implied wanting to purchase a very nice "gift" for somebody's birthday.  A quick trip to downtown where the violin was repurchased and is now shipped back to its owner.

In addition, we managed to find a very nice bow in the pawn shop.
We'll hold on to this one, maybe not for eBay, but in our shop for a good player.

-Ollavaca

Out of the 8 instruments that came to our shop in December, we've so far sold 5 of them online.
Number 6 could be this Maggini we listed today.

Also, a 12" Viola Academia Cavallo 2005 outfit from our rental program is up as well.  The outfit includes case and bow.
It's a real steal for any beginner looking for a solid viola. 

On the horizon, an ornate looking instrument labeled Gaspar de Salo.
Auction will start at PST 14:00.

More good news, we've earned the yellow star on eBay after 11+feedback ratings.
Meg Whitman, prez & CEO, sends us her automated email congrats with a Yellow Star Certificate.
Apparently quote, "You're a rising star!"

Print out certificate now adorns shop window like reminescent gold stars from kindergarten homework on the fridge.
PowerSeller status, here we come!

-Ollavaca

Just after the three violins were documented, we have another violin to auction off. An antique Tyrolean Violin labeled Carlo Antonio Testore.
We made sure this violin was listed right away today.  Will promise to list those other 3 instruments, ASAP!

-Ollavaca

Today, we have been consigned 3 instruments eBay auction.  More details on these instruments after we have finished photographing and researching these instruments.  We are currently thinking of throwing in some violin cases to auction off as well.

-Ollavaca