Under the hammer at Bonhams

Written by archtop girl on Monday, 23 November 2009

I'd never have thought of buying anything from a Bonhams' auction before, but it's not all rarefied, stratospherically-priced stuff: the catalogue for the Music Room Sale in Knightsbridge on December 15th shows some surprisingly affordable but interesting instruments. From ornate 19th century mandolins and small-bodied classical guitars (estimates starting at £200) to lutes, late-20th century Spanish guitars, Baroque-period violins, Victorian cellos, Edwardian accordions and a fine selection of brass and woodwind, there's something in most price ranges.

I'll pass on the late '50s Fender Strat (est. £8,000-£12,000, rather outside my price range), but am liking the 1960 Hofner Senator Thinline (est. £400-£600) and Committee (est. £300-£600). Anyone wondering what to get me for Christmas?