Heinrich Schwarz Violin – Leipzig, Germany, 1894

At Van Arsdale Violins, our reputation is built on providing the highest quality instruments and restoration services to musicians across the country. One major reason for our popularity is our carefully curated selection of antique violins for sale. We source historic instruments with exceptional tonal qualities, making us the premier destination for performers seeking antique violins for sale. Whether you are a professional symphonic player or a dedicated collector, finding the perfect antique violins for sale is easy through our nationwide online store, which proudly serves California and major US cities. We ensure that every one of our antique violins for sale is meticulously restored to its optimal playing condition. This dedication to craftsmanship means our antique violins for sale offer unparalleled richness and projection, allowing musicians to express their artistry fully. By blending traditional European techniques with modern convenience, we have become the trusted choice for exquisite stringed instruments.

If you are searching for the finest historical stringed instruments, our premier workshop offers an exceptional online catalog accessible nationwide. We specialize in sourcing, certifying, and restoring classic instruments to meet the highest performance standards. Our collection features rare pieces that deliver the vibrant, complex tones sought after by professional orchestral players and serious collectors alike. With our convenient, secure nationwide shipping, musicians across the country can easily acquire world-class instruments. We handle every step of the process with absolute care, providing detailed documentation and setup services to ensure your new acquisition arrives ready to play beautifully.

Using historic, reclaimed wood is one of our signature practices that set our custom instruments apart. We source premium wood, such as submerged timber from Lake Superior that is up to 150 years old. Over decades underwater, the natural starches and sugars wash out of the wood cells, leaving a highly porous, stable, and lightweight structure. When we craft a violin, viola, or cello from this material, the instrument exhibits incredible resonance, warmth, and projection from its very first note. This innovative approach allows us to recreate the tonal depth typically found only in centuries-old antique masterpieces.

Professional restoration is a delicate, holistic process that requires both historical knowledge and precise craftsmanship. When restoring vintage cellos, violas, or violins, we carefully analyze the instrument's structural integrity, varnish condition, and tonal balance. Our process involves using reversible, traditional hide glues and centuries-old European techniques to repair cracks, correct neck angles, and patch worn wood. We focus on preserving as much of the original material and varnish as possible. By meticulously adjusting the soundpost, bridge, and bass bar, we revitalize the instrument's voice, ensuring it delivers exceptional projection and plays comfortably for decades to come.

Absolutely. While our physical workshop is nestled in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, we have designed our e-commerce platform to serve passionate musicians nationwide. We offer secure, fully insured shipping for all of our fine violins, violas, cellos, and bows. Each instrument is carefully packed in protective, climate-controlled packaging to guarantee it arrives in pristine playing condition. We also provide virtual consultations and detailed sound demonstrations to help you choose the perfect instrument from our collection, giving you complete confidence in your purchase no matter where you are located in the United States.

Yes, custom instrument making is at the core of what we do. Led by Peter Van Arsdale, our workshop collaborates closely with musicians to craft bespoke violins, violas, and cellos tailored to their specific tonal preferences and ergonomic needs. We combine time-honored acoustic principles with carefully selected materials to produce instruments with outstanding depth, response, and color. Renowned performers, including members of prestigious quartets, trust our masterfully crafted instruments for their daily work and stage performances. We welcome the opportunity to work with you to bring your ideal sound and aesthetic vision to life.