Musical instruments: how do you identify a counterfeit?

Counterfeit instruments have become a widespread problem in the music world in recent years. There are many replicas being sold as authentic versions at lower prices. This practice may be tempting for some buyers, but it is not without risk. Counterfeit instruments can have harmful consequences for the quality of music and the safety of musicians. If you're looking to buy a second-hand musical instrument, here's our advice on how to avoid being ripped off and buy a genuine instrument.

Manufacturer's inscription :

First of all, the first thing you need to look out for is the manufacturer's trademark. Many musical instruments carry their manufacturer's trademark. If your instrument does not bear a brand name, or if it does not correspond to that of a reputable manufacturer, you are most likely dealing with a counterfeit.

This mark indicates the quality of manufacture of the instrument. If the instrument does not bear a mark, it is difficult to know whether it has been manufactured to a high enough quality for it to be used safely. The instrument may have manufacturing defects that could cause injury or damage.

What's more, in the event of a problem with the instrument, breakdown or otherwise, it will be difficult to find spare parts if you don't know who made it. It's also unlikely that you'll be covered by a warranty that protects you in the event of defects.

Violin making :

You should also pay particular attention to the craftsmanship of your musical instrument. In fact, a musical instrument can be considered a work of art, given the time manufacturers spend making their instruments simply perfect. An authentic musical instrument will be well built and meticulously finished.

To check the craftsmanship of your instrument, examine it closely for signs of poor workmanship, such as loose joints, uneven surfaces or imperfections in the wood. If you have the opportunity to hold the instrument in your hands before buying it, you should listen to the sound it makes. If your product is genuine, it will produce a clear, harmonious sound.

Make sure that the various parts of the instrument are equally well fitted and that there is no excessive play. This can be difficult to spot without experience, but a well-built instrument should be solid and stable.

Counterfeits can be dangerous to play with, as they can break or warp during use.

The price :

A genuine musical instrument can cost a certain amount of money, especially if it's a brand-name, high-quality instrument. We therefore advise you to look at competitor prices as well as the base price of your musical instrument.

If the price of your musical instrument seems too cheap, it is very likely to be a counterfeit.

Counterfeit violins and trumpets are generally not made using the same materials and techniques as genuine instruments, which can affect their sound and durability.

Secure the purchase of your second-hand musical instrument with Obvy:

We advise you to use Obvy to secure the purchase of your musical instrument.

Obvy offers a payment method specially designed to secure transactions between private individuals. Whether you're buying or selling between private individuals on ad platforms such as Leboncoin or Vinted, Obvy acts as a trusted third party to help you avoid any scams.

In the event of a counterfeiting scam, you can quickly and easily return the product to the seller and get your money back. What's more, you'll have all the information you need about the seller in the event of legal action.