Short stories featuring musical instruments and those who play them!
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I was having a clear-out the other day and came across a violin. I bought it several years ago thinking I could become the next Yehudi Menuhin, but the best I could get the thing to do was make ghastly screeching noises! I gave up.
There’s a shop in a nearby town that sells new and used instruments. I thought I’d try and sell it to them.
He looked at it very closely. This way, that way, the other way.
‘How much?’ he asked.
I remembered paying about fifty pounds for it at a car boot sale. I hoped I might just get my money back.
‘Fifty quid’, I said.
‘It’s got a small mark on it, forty-five’ said he, stretching out his hand.
I shook on it.
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I was skimming through last week’s local rag in a coffee bar yesterday when a headline caught my eye.
‘Rare Stradivarius violin sells for a fortune‘.
It went on to say that despite having a minor blemish, it made £1.3 million at Sotheby’s Auction House.
What? It was mine! The (expletive deleted) must have known it was valuable! I dashed the shop intending to have it out with him.‘
All I found was an empty store with a For Sale sign in the window.
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2020 – Stories featuring obsolete words starting with – V
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2018 – My Friend Rosey – V
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Keith's Ramblings 
Ah, that’s why you always get another opinion!
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Why didn’t I think of that!
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Ripped from the pages of Antiques Roadshow, lol. I often wonder if I’ve ever gotten rid of something worth a lot of money. The again, I do not want to know.
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It certainly was Denise! Ignorance is bliss!
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Too bad that a fortune slipped though your fingers.
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Story of my life!
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Tut tut….. 😜
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LOL. If you really want to talk to the guy, I’m sure they have phone service on whatever glorious vacation he decided to take.
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Good point!
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Dang, those missed opportunities! Good one!
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So many! Cheers.
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The title made laugh.
The story made me go: Ouch!
Sorry Keith. Better luck next time.
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…and your comment made me smile! Cheers Arti.
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In one of Jeffrey Archers books I have read a similar plot where a young kid learns about business from a jewellery maker who buys something from him and places it on his display at many times that price
https://pagesfromjayashree.blogspot.com/2021/04/v-for-veritaserum.html
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That’s a very similar situation. I guess the secret is knowing how to spot a bargain! My chap got a bargain without realising it. Thanks so much
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Curses! Foiled again. On the other hand, you got your initial investment back, almost.
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Better than nothing I suppose!
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😉
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Keith I hope this is not a true story!
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No, heaven forbid!
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With 1.3 million in his pocket, I’m guessing he won’t be found anytime soon either!
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Highly unlikely Iain! Cheers.
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Ouch, that story really stung, Keith. I certainly hope this was just another of your tall tales and nothing close to the truth.
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Don’t worry, pure fiction Gail.
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He doesn’t sound like a very nice store owner. I hope the violin at least gets played and not put in a museum. Weekends In Maine
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A good point, it would be a shame if it stayed silent.
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Ooooh LOVE this one! Nice twist, and I feel the anger.
– Allison (https://lightningflashx.blogspot.com/)
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