Fraud ALERT
Unauthorized use of Badiarov Violins' brand name and trademarks
Fraud is, unfortunately, a significant aspect of the violin business. There are entire books written on the subject. For example, ‘Violin Fraud: Deception, Forgery, Theft, and Lawsuits in England and America’ by Brian W. Harvey and Carla J. Shapreau. Another book, ‘The Violin: A Social History of the World’s Most Versatile Instrument’ by David Schoenbaum, for which he even interviewed Dmitry Badiarov more than a decades, devotes more than half its pages to violin-related crime. Fascinating, isn’t it? But typically, violin fraud involves instruments by deceased luthiers, often worth millions.
However, the landscape appears to be shifting. Just as luxury brands have long been plagued by counterfeits—where you can purchase a Rolex for under $100 or a Louis Vuitton bag for a tenner—the violin market is experiencing similar issues.
You can now find offers like three Badiarovs for the price of two, with a 50% discount. While some violinists might prefer blissful ignorance, you might value honesty in your business dealings.
Suspecting potential fraud involving our trademarks? Call customer support at +31 6 1125 7695 or send an email to makeithappen-at-badiarovviolins.com
Counterfeit Badiarovs Alert.
Badiarov Violins currently does not resell via dealers. If and when this changes, official dealers will be listed on this website.
A while back, someone lifted images of Badiarov violoncellos da spalla and passed them off as his own on his website for years. Dmitry was oblivious until a friend recognized his and drew his attention to it. Dmitry contacted the luthier with a request to either attribute the images or remove them from his website. He removed them for about two weeks and then put them back. After Dmitry requested him again, all he did was replace them with pixelated images of the same.
Another story involves meeting a charming, talented lady post-concert. She played with a renowned ensemble, using a da spalla, and boasted about her instrument, suggesting it might be “a Badiarov.” She had bought it from a dealer in Paris. Initially, Dmitry thought she was joking. When she asked his name, he realised she did not know who she was talking to. Dmitry did not know what to answer. Not wanting to burst her bubble 😅 or cause problems to the “smart” dealer who simply wanted to offer the market what the market wants, he introduced himself as Dick or Bob, or something like that.
If you come across a suspicious Badiarov instrument, you might prefer to contact us first at the email address below, rather than part with your money first and potentially regret it later.
We appreciate the truth: if no one copies you, it means you’re not good enough.
We appreciate the truth: if no one copies you, it means you’re not good enough. But people like us conduct business in a congruent manner, not with the purpose of deceiving, or damaging other person’s brand reputation.
Recently, 2024, Mimmo Peruffo of Aquila Corde Armoniche Srl raised concerns. Musicians from areas where Badiarov Violins have no clientele demanded refunds or replacements for strings, claiming they didn’t fit their “Badiarov” instruments. Obviously, they wouldn’t—those weren’t Badiarov instruments, or based on a Badiarov model.
Dmitry Badiarov™ and Badiarov Violins™ are our trademarks, legally protected against such impersonation.
On a brighter note, many dedicated luthiers, committed to culture, excellence and their clientele, have trained with Dmitry Badiarov to provide top-quality instruments, frequently using the Badiarov models. Dmitry mentors these exceptional individuals worldwide to ensure the legacy of the violoncello da spalla endures.
This is why he often receive messages from musicians globally asking, “Is it true that violin maker X claims to use your da spalla model?” Unfortunately, often it’s a fabrication.
Our response to these musicians is, “We don’t recall Mr. Smart of ‘Smartie’s Violins’ ever being our mentee. However, we can provide a list of luthiers who have acquired the Badiarov design and apprenticed with him.”
If no one copies you, it means you’re not good enough. You are not truly original unless someone makes copies. We are grateful to world-class musicians for recognizing the value of Badiarov Violins and associating with our core values: craftsmanship, culture, and connection.
Badiarov Violins specializes in reviving and preserving priceless cultural traditions that are millennia old. We incorporate these traditions into our instruments and highlight their significance in books authored by Dmitry Badiarov, as well as in his keynotes and workshops.
Badiarov Violins is dedicated to helping serious musicians like you define your unique voice, elevate your craft, and achieve even more. Together we can make this world a better, more cultured place.
