David Bonsey
Master violin maker and appraiser
David Bonsey is an award-winning violin maker, restorer and appraiser and dealer specializing in all string instruments including orchestral strings, guitars and mandolins. He served for fourteen years as Director of Fine Musical Instruments at Skinner Auctioneers and Appraisers, and was workshop manager for Johnson String Instrument in Boston. He has worked with major public and private clients including museums and individual investors in the acquisition, appraisal and liquidation of their collections.
Through his appraisal and repair work, as well as his experience in bringing to auction and private sale instruments by Stradivari, Guarneri, Guadagnini, Ceruti, and many others, he has developed a versatile and comprehensive knowledge of the fine musical instrument market.In addition to his frequent appearances as an expert appraiser on PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow,” he has contributed to magazines such as The Strad, Strings, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal.
He writes and presents widely on the subject of violin and has lectured for groups such as the American Musical Instrument Society. He is a member of the American Federation of Violin and Bowmakers and is a candidate for Certified Appraiser with the Appraisers Association of America.
