Darnton & Hersh Fine Violins | Chicago Violin Sales and Restoration

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Buying and Selling

Darnton & Hersh violin bridgeDarnton & Hersh offers for sale a selection of violins, violas and cellos ranging from the most exceptional antique Italian instruments to more affordable but fully playable instruments. We also offer bows in all price ranges including those by the finest French masters. We pride ourselves in providing the same level of service and care to all our customers, no matter what kind of instrument they are purchasing.

For those interested in selling an instrument either on consignment or through outright purchase, we offer a discreet personalized approach backed up by years of experience and results. With trusted relationships among a large international client base of musicians, collectors, patrons and institutions, we are well positioned to handle inquiries in an efficient and professional manner.

For more information on buying or selling an instrument or to make an appointment, please contact us.

FAQ: Choosing an Instrument

Do I need an appointment to come in and look at instruments?

We want your visit to be a good one, so we recommend making an appointment by phone or email. While we are happy to accommodate walk-ins, some of the instruments most suitable for your individual needs could be out on trial at any given time. Because we offer a wide variety of instruments from modern to antique, it is helpful if you let us know in advance the type of instrument you feel is most appropriate for the kind of playing you do and the price range you are looking in.

How much time should I set aside for the appointment?

Plan to spend an hour or two with us playing several instruments in one of our private trial rooms. Most players find looking at too many instruments at one time to be fatiguing to the ear, so we normally select five to ten that fit within your parameters and that we think you may enjoy. As we hear your playing style, we may suggest additional instruments that might suit you.

Do I need to bring my own bow?

Bringing your own bow will eliminate one variable, although we can certainly provide a sampling of bows as well. Similarly, when considering bows for purchase, it’s best to try them on the instrument you’ll be playing on, since instrument-bow synergy can be quite varied.

What happens when I find an instrument or bow that seems to meet my needs?

When you find a violin, viola, cello, or bow you like, we can arrange a trial period so you can get further acquainted with it in context, for example, playing with colleagues or consulting with a teacher.

What else should I know about completing a purchase?

All the instruments we sell come with the respected Darnton & Hersh guarantee of authenticity, and we will clearly discuss the condition of whatever purchase you are considering. We will also make sure the instrument is properly set up to maximize tone and playability.

Gallery of Fine Instruments

Stradivari waists Visit the Gallery to find in-depth articles with photographs, highlighting some of the noteworthy and/or unusual instruments that Darnton & Hersh Fine Violins has handled.

Business Hours

Monday through Friday
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Other hours by appointment

At this time, we are open by appointment only. Please call or use the contact form to let us know how we can assist with your instrument needs.

Events at D&H

Concerts and other events that formerly would have been held in the Darnton & Hersh Salon are now under the auspices of a new not-for-profit music incubator organization, Guarneri Hall NFP. Guarneri Hall is located on the third floor of the same building where Darnton & Hersh is located, in Chicago's Loop.

If you would like to be informed of Guarneri Hall events, head on over to their website to subscribe and receive notifications of concerts and other exciting events!

The Informed Player

Darnton Hersh logo photo

What you should know about:

  • Care and maintenance of your stringed instrument
  • The instrument checkup

Visit Darnton & Hersh

11 East Adams, Suite 1450
Chicago, IL 60603
312.566.0429
Directions and Contact

Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Other hours by appointment

Soundpost Online

Violin Scrolls Visit Soundpost Online, an archive of articles published from 2000 through 2006, geared to string players, connoisseurs, and makers (external website).

Looking for MSR?

Young Cellist Visit the Midwest String Rentals website to find out about our outstanding student rental instruments: violins, violas, and cellos.

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