With certificate
Fine old string instruments · Hildesheim
Fine Violins, Violas, Cellos & Bows
I chose every instrument here myself and looked at each one closely. I also buy instruments, help people sell theirs and identify instruments from photographs.
01Collection
From the collection
A few of the instruments I have at the moment. I photographed and described every one of them myself.
02What you can rely on
What you can expect from me.
- Years of experience
- ≈ 20
- Instruments & bows in the collection
- 41
- Google rating
- 5.0★
- 01
Certificates from independent experts
Almost every instrument has a certificate from an independent expert. For less expensive ones I have one issued on request.
- 02
Guarantee of authenticity
Every instrument I sell comes with my guarantee of authenticity.
- 03
Chosen by me
I picked and checked every instrument in the collection myself.
- 04
Compare without rushing
Come to the Hildesheim showroom by appointment and play as long as you like.
Mr. Patera appraised several violins from our family collection. He was able to identify the instruments at a glance; we had a general idea of their origin, and his assessment was accurate for every single one. We are very impressed by his expertise and attention to detail. The communication was very pleasant and straightforward, yet highly professional. The price-performance ratio is excellent, which is unfortunately far from standard practice in the field of stringed instruments. I will definitely contact Mr. Patera again in the future and would like to purchase a high-quality instrument from him. Highly recommended!
In the world of string instruments, Ronnie Patera is one of the best experts who can expertly identify an instrument. Serious and highly professional seller to trust blindly, instruments for all price ranges.
Top violin dealer, extremely friendly and helpful, with a vast collection of instruments and bows! I totally recommend, you can always find amazing instruments at him!
As of November 2026 · 17 reviews, all five stars · Source: public Google Business Profile. Reviews are published by Google; Patera Violins does not independently verify whether reviewers have used the service. View reviews on Google ↗
03About me
An honest look at instrument and price
I have been dealing in old string instruments and bows for almost 20 years. I will tell you honestly what an instrument is and what it isn't. My photo archive, auction results and many colleagues at home and abroad help me with that.
Learn morePatera Violins · The film
Instruments with a history. Space for your sound.
An encounter with fine stringed instruments, their craftsmanship and their individual character.
Music credits
Canon in D Major · Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Original recording · CC BY 4.0. Edited excerpt and audio mix.
04Services
More than a collection.
01We buy
Want to sell an old violin, viola, cello, bow or a whole estate? I buy from all over Germany, at fair prices and without long waits.
Selling to me
02Identification
Have an old instrument and want to know what it is? Send me photos. I will write you an initial assessment of its origin, age and school.
View service
03Marketplace
Looking for a particular instrument, or want to sell one? Write to me. Only I see your enquiry; it is never published.
Start enquiryHildesheim showroom
The room is small and acoustically dry, so you can hear the differences clearly. I set out suitable instruments before you arrive, and then you have time to play and compare.
Discover the showroom05Journal
Knowledge worth sharing.
What Matters to Me in the Restoration of Historic String Instruments
Why preserving original wood and varnish matters more to me than a flawless surface, and what I expect from a restoration in terms of craftsmanship, sound and playability.
Read
Historical Stringed Instruments as Investments: Returns, Records and Risks
Read
Identifying Old Stringed Instruments: What Really Matters
Read
06Contact
Just get in touch.
Whether you want to see an instrument, sell one or are looking for something specific, call or write to me. Showroom visits are by appointment.
- Telephone
- +49 173 9026166
- Address
- Richthofenstr. 29 · 31137 Hildesheim
- Appointments
- Showroom visits by appointment only.