I have recently been told that my violin was once full of woodworm, which the seller failed to mention to me when I bought it

Anyone else had this problem?

Many old violins have been unfortunate enough to suffer woodworm. Providing the instrument has been treated to get rid of it and the wood is stable, there is no need to worry about any other ill effects. Generally it won't affect the playability of the violin (viola, cello etc.), but regrettably it does make the instrument less valuable in terms of cash.

Yes, it turns out to be worth MUCH less than I had thought/hoped. Ah well.

I've also heard that several other instruments sold at the place I bought this one from have had this woodworm problem - and nothing about it was mentioned on purchase. Not good - in fact, rather dishonest, I reckon. Good job I'm doing nothing too serious with the violin, really.

Hey ho.

Nice signature!
So how are you getting on with your WOODWORM practice?

Can you take it back to the dealer and complain about it? At least he should shoulder some responsibility for it.

Was about 10 years ago, so not sure...

Oh dear, that's not too good. Did the luthiers have a look at it? Can they treat it? Because for pianos I know they treat them for termites over here, but I'm not sure about violins.

Well, the worm itself/themselves are long gone, but the damage is permanent. Had it "patched up" as much as possible (to the tune of 200+ GBP, eek). Apparently French makers went through a phase of making violin from "green" (i.e. untreated) wood which had the worm in - consequently there are lots of French instruments from this period that are also half-eaten inside.

If it has been ten years since you bought it presumably you have been pleased with it? Many older instruments have had worm damage at some stage of their career and it may not matter much, especially now that it has been patched up by a worm doctor. Is this a good time to think of selling it on, as seen and trying to find yourself another instrument that has not been nibbled in an earlier life?

Oh what a shame!

Does it still sound okay or is it causing problems with the instrument?

I see. So there is a danger of woodworm in instruments that were made before 'ageing' or 'treated'.
I'm glad my romanian gliga is made after being treated then! I know most chinese instruments are made 'green' as well.