The Cost Of Ownership

One of the aspects I don’t write about much is the consulting work performed on both sides of the management/musician fence with individual overscale contracts. It is actually fascinating work, right from the biggest budget principal contracts through the smaller budget groups. So when the folks at the Strad contacted me to ask if I had any article ideas for their upcoming “money” issue, I said yes; yes I do.

Most folks are already aware that string players pay small fortunes to purchase quality instruments and bows with the individual musician absorbing most, if not all, of that cost. But what isn’t so well known is the cost of owning that instrument; meaning everything from purchasing strings and having the hair in their bow replaced along with regular maintenance adjustments and repair work to the instrument and bow.

Between my work with individual musicians and orchestra associations on overscale contracts and being married to an orchestral violinist for 15 years, I have a comprehensive idea of how these numbers add up. But for whatever reason, there’s never been a wide-ranging survey of these costs compiled into a single, tidy reference source.

Fortunately, the Strad folks liked the idea so you can expect to see the article in the December issue. Assuming all goes to plan, it should be accompanied by a cache of superb infographics; if you don’t already have a subscription, head over and get one today so you don’t miss out on the article (which actually comes out in November).