I have two great fiddles which aren't getting played much these days between my new (old) fiddle and concertina.
The first is a Marcus Berini, made in Mirecourt in the 1920's. It has a lovely tone for Irish music, nice low end and very woody sounding. It has a nice one piece back and good grain on the top. The colour is golden. It was my main in instrument for the past 4 years, so very sad to see it go. Heinl's in Toronto estimated its value around 2700. I would sell it for $1800 as that is about what I paid originally. You can hear the lovely Alison Perkins playing it at Myspace.com/alisonfiddle on the tracks "The Galway Reel" and "Paddy Fahy's".
The second is a Czech fiddle I rescued from languishing in a pawn shop in unplayable condition. I did some work myself as well as had a local luthier repair a small crack and regraduate the top. It turned out quite well, and we found upon removing the top that it was much better made than most Czech instruments, and was hand carved rather than machined, and the corners are reinforced. The setup is all new, new pegs, tailpiece and bridge, soundpost, etc. Based on the label and expertise of my lutheir friend, we surmised that it was made in 1918. The tone is great, especially on the A and E strings. It projects very well in a session and I usually bring it to bigger sessions and noisy pubs so that I can hear myself. I originally bought it for $300 and spent around $500 on parts and repairs. I'll sell it for $800.
I am in Southern Ontario, but travel quite often so I could always bring one along.
The one on the left is the Czech, the one on the right is the Berini
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