[GLLUG] Off Topic- Violin

[Julie Code]

Hey Guys,
          I wanted to talk about something totally off topic.  I know that a 
couple of you such as Brian and Jeff's wife may know the answer to my 
questions.
          I am also very excited to tell people about this too so I would 
like to tell you guys.  Some may not even know me so it doesn't matter to 
you probably.  Well, there is this violin that I've always wanted but never 
could afford until now.  So I've always rented different ones from White 
Bros Music In Okemos, MI.  Anyways, this one is a handmade violin made in 
Owosso, MI in 1914.  The most beautiful sounding (just a very beautiful 
sweet sound to it) violin that I've ever handled.  And I've handled many 
violins both at white bros and Elderly Instruments.  The guy that made the 
violin was G.W. Palmer and he made it at his home on 720 E. Oliver St.  He 
also has a John Hancock signature of his last name on the upper part of the 
neck of the violin.  My question is.... is that Mr. White the owner of the 
store says that it needs a new bass bar and possibly new pegs.  I am 
concerned if that I get these things repaired that the value of the 
instrument will go down.  The instrument sounds very very nice even though 
these two things need fixing.  It is not in bad shape at all and is 
extremely nice looking.  I am thinking I may call the other Brian that works 
at Elderly that does appraisals of violins there if any of you wouldn't 
know.  Another guy on the phone there told me that maybe I should get it 
fixed but also ask that I keep the original parts with me too.
            If some of you don't know, I've taken lessons from Jeff Lawton's 
wife in that past and hope to start taking lessons again in the near future. 
  But if any of you guys would know any answers to my questions please feel 
free to say something.  I am sorry that it is off topic and hope not to bug 
anyone.  I am sure you guys would sometimes like to hear off-topic things 
every once in a great while. =)  Anyways, I'll probably show it to you guys 
sometime when I get it. =)

Julie