Normally we don’t sell instruments in unrepaired or unplayable condition. However, things can be a bit crowded here so we’ve created the Yard Sale department. These instruments are sold “as is” with no approval privilege. They range from unabashed junk suitable for planters, wall hangings, dart boards or bizarre experiments, to good instruments needing extensive work but suitable for restoration. We will try to describe things as fairly and accurately as possible.
A few more thoughts about these instruments: While these instruments are certainly repairable, we don’t think that there is necessarily much to be gained by buying and then paying someone to do the repairs. If the repair was simple, we’d have already done it. The instruments we offer in the Yard Sale section are intended to provide worthwhile projects for someone doing their own repairs or learning repair. If you want an instrument to play, you are almost always better off buying one that is already playable before you spend the money. If you want a project, that’s another matter.
No photos are available for these instruments, and all Yard Sale instruments are sold “as is.” You are welcome to call for a detailed “in-hand” description. Please give us the reference number at the beginning of a listing when you contact us for more info and to confirm availability.
YARD SALE INSTRUMENTS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
YS111 – John Juzek 3/4 Size Violin
Made in Prague, Czechoslovakia, two piece back with narrow curl, shaded red/orange varnish. Two top cracks including one in soundpost area. Not set up. $95
YS267 – Unbranded Banjo Mandolin, c.1920
12-1/8″ rim, 13-3/4″ scale. Heavy maple rim with wood marquetry around lower edge, raised internal ring so vibrating head diameter is 10-1/2″, mahogany neck with maple center lamination, pearl vine inlaid fretboard, good quality hardware. A few missing hooks, back cap on rim is damaged, neck heel broken and roughly repaired. With original hard shell case. $200
YS304 – Crescendo 3/4 Size Violin
Inexpensive violin made in Korea. Strung and somewhat playable but would benefit from better set up. With case and bow. $85
YS337 – HeadFord banjo ukulele
Made in England, 7-3/4″ head, 15″ scale, mahogany rim, neck and resonator. Excellent condition but needs much set up work (refit hardware, tighten head etc.) With a gig bag. $120
YS339 – Guild F-112 Guitar
Smaller (auditorium size) 12 string guitar, spruce top, mahogany back and sides. Needs neck work (possible reset). With original hard shell case. $275
YS340 – E Reinhold Schmidt 3/4 Size Violin c. 1930
Nicely flamed two piece back, fine grained spruce top. $120
YS341 – Amati copy label 7/8 Size Violin c. 1900
Medium grained spruce to, nicely flamed two piece back, back of scroll marked “Ladies Violin”. Peg holes bushed but not drilled, needs set up. $120
YS342 – Wm. Lewis 3/4 Size Violin
Fine grained spruce top, plain maple back, not set up. $50
YS343 – Agostini Blanchi label 3/4 Size Violin c. 1930
A German trade violin, medium grained spruce top, lightly flamed two piece back. Currently set up but would benefit from fresh set up. $120
YS344 – Emanuel Huller label 3/4 Size Violin
Medium grained spruce top, a little wider toward the edges, nicely flamed two piece back, plainer ribs. $90
YS345 – Wm. Lewis & Son label 16-1/2″ Viola
Needs cleaned and set up. $50
YS346 – C Meisel label 3/4 Size Violin
Small crack from upper eye of bass f hole, otherwise good. $60
YS347 – Strad label 3/4 Size Violin
Lightly flamed ribs and two piece back. $50