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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Ah, that’s why you always get another opinion!
Why didn’t I think of that!
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.
It certainly was Denise! Ignorance is bliss!
Too bad that a fortune slipped though your fingers.
Story of my life!
Tut tut….. 😜
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.
Good point!
Dang, those missed opportunities! Good one!
So many! Cheers.
The title made laugh.
The story made me go: Ouch!
Sorry Keith. Better luck next time.
…and your comment made me smile! Cheers Arti.
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
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
Curses! Foiled again. On the other hand, you got your initial investment back, almost.
Better than nothing I suppose!
😉
Keith I hope this is not a true story!
No, heaven forbid!
With 1.3 million in his pocket, I’m guessing he won’t be found anytime soon either!
Highly unlikely Iain! Cheers.
Ouch, that story really stung, Keith. I certainly hope this was just another of your tall tales and nothing close to the truth.
Don’t worry, pure fiction Gail.
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
A good point, it would be a shame if it stayed silent.
Ooooh LOVE this one! Nice twist, and I feel the anger.
– Allison (https://lightningflashx.blogspot.com/)