Computed Tomography Scanning

In the early 2000's, Terry began studying instruments using medical Computed Tomography (CT). CT scans, along with our specially designed analysis software, allows us to see things that the naked eye cannot. It reveals past repairs hidden by skilled restorers; allows for exact measurements of instrument's thicknesses, and arching patterns, and can measure the wood density of the instrument.

His research also led to publishing several articles and research papers including "A Comparison of Wood Density between Classic Cremonese and Modern Violins", in the scientific journal PLoS One. CT and Modal Analysis of the Vieuxtemps Guarneri del Gesu - Strad Magazine, January 2011 and others which can be found here.

Originally, he began scanning classical instruments merely to study them and incorporate the information into his own instrument making. Instruments he studied included the Vieuxtemps Guarneri del Gesu, the 'Jarnowich' Guarneri 'del Gesù' of 1741 and the 1707 'Cathedrale" Stradivari among others.

Since a prior repair can depreciate an instrument's value by as much as 50%, major shops and auction houses have been using this technology to decide whether they want to acquire an instrument. But they do not as a rule share that information with buyers.

Terry soon realized that we had the opportunity to level the playing field for musicians and investors; to give them the same information available to the dealer so they can negotiate a fair price.

This led to the establishment of Instrumental Insight which provided scanning services and completely independent condition reports for musicians, investors, and smaller shops who do not have access to the same technology.

This service was also featured in Strings Magazine, and The Strad.

While Terry is no longer scanning instruments, you can see exactly what is involved in a scanning an instrument by clicking here.