“Two Days with a Violin Maker” is a grant program specifically designed to offer both valuable insights into violin making and evaluating as well as a significant discount off the usual cost of high-end violins. Successful grant applicants will be advanced students or professional violinists early in their careers who have been unable to afford a performance quality violin. They will be actively searching for an appropriate violin and financially capable of committing to one of the three purchase/lease-to-own options available:
- Purchase outright for $6000 (2023 estimated market value of $15-25,000).
- Lease-to-own at $1000 a year for 7 years
- Rent-to-own at $90 a month for 90 months
1. Option one provides the greatest discount from the current market value for Crispin/Hammer violins and is the best choice for those in a position to afford a one-time payment of $6000.
2. Option two reflects a $7000 total price, with the advantage of once-yearly payments made over 7 years. An additional advantage is that if your circumstances change, you may cancel the lease prior to the next yearly payment due date, and return the violin with no further obligation.
3. Option three represents a $8100 price, with payments made monthly by recurrent credit card charges or direct deposit from your bank account. This option provides the most flexibility, as the rental contract can be terminated by you with just one month notice prior to the next monthly payment due date.
Ownership: With either lease or rental option, ownership of the violin will transfer only after the final payment is made. There will be no refunds for prior payments if the lease or rental agreement is cancelled before the final payment.
Damage or excessive wear: If the violin is returned prior to the final payment, the violinist will be responsible for the cost of any necessary repairs outside of normal wear from regular use.
The above discussion is informational only, and subject to change prior to any formal agreements being made.