Appraisals & Evaluations
How much is my oboe worth?
The value of your oboe or English horn depends on the brand, model, age, condition and service history of your particular instrument—all the same factors that determine how Carlos would price it if it came through his inventory. As one of two Lorée factory-trained technicians in the U.S., Carlos has appraised and sold instruments across the full range of condition and rarity, meaning that his assessment is among the most expert in the world.
Why do you need an appraisal?
An accurate evaluation of your instrument’s value goes beyond just selling. A few common reasons why you might need an appraisal:
- Insurance – most instrument or homeowner’s policies require a documented appraisal to insure the instrument at its real replacement value.
- Loss/Damage Claims – if your instrument is lost, damaged or stolen, a current appraisal is documentation that can support a claim to an insurer or shipping carrier.
- Resale – knowing the value of your instrument can help you avoid over or under pricing it for resale.
- Estate or Instrument Transfer – an appraisal helps establish ‘fair value’ when an instrument changes hands outside of a sale (example: inheritance, gift, divestment from an estate)
Getting An Appraisal from Carlos
If you would like for Carlos to appraise your instrument, please contact us with a few details:
- Manufacturer
- Model
- Serial Number
- Approximate Age
- Condition
If you are already a customer of Carlos, there is no charge for a follow-up appraisal.
If you are not yet a customer of Carlos, there will be a small fee involved in your appraisal.
Getting An Evaluation from Carlos
From time to time, we encounter people who have ‘come into’ an oboe—through an inheritance, a gift or through any number of other sources—and do not need an appraisal, but would like a professional to ‘look at’ the instrument to judge how much work it needs to be restored to working order.
If you need an evaluation only, we are able to help. Please contact us with the same information above (manufacturer, model, serial, etc.) and we will reach back out to you to find out more about how we can help. A nominal fee may apply for evaluations on a case-by-case basis.