Im going to pay for my new violin tomorrow and was going to part ex my violin towards it. Im now toying with the idea of keeping it because I like it and it could always be a spare if ever needed, what do you think?
Its a nice 19th century Amati copy, one piece back, recent set up and in good condition and Ive been offered £400 from the shop Im buying my new violin from but £750 from another shop for part ex. I realise its never going to be worth loads but do you reckon it could be worth more in a few years time?

If you play outside, or anticipate playing outside (weddings, festivals etc.) and you find your old violin satisfactory to play, then it would be nice to have a back-up. But if it will just sit in its case...

Worth more in a few years' time? Who knows, but my *guess* is no - I think the value your violin has now shows where it is in the overall supply structure, and it is not going to gain hugely in rarity value in a few years' time.

It's entirely possible that the violin you already have is worth just as much as the violin you intend to trade it in for. Bearing in mind that fairly crappy modern chinese/eastern european factory fiddles go for up to £1k, £400 for your "nice 19th century Amati copy" doesn't sound terribly attractive. You might like to post photos/more details if you want a more informed opinion.

I kept it , I decided that £400 although a lot of money is nothing fo a violin, so the good old faithful has come home with me ... and I now own my new violin
I asked the shop what they reckonned it was worth and he said about £650 so Im really pleased.
Thanks everyone for all your help over the last few weeks.