The Advantage

	*The* *Advantage*
	These chips are easily installed through the endpin hole into the end block of bowed instruments. A non-invasive process which hides the chip but can still easily be read. In bows it is implanted ahead of the screw shaft and can be read through all types of winding including silver and gold wire. About the size of a grain of wild rice, this chip weighs only .06 gram.
A microchip system has two parts: a microchip and a scanner that reads it. When the scanner is turned on, a radio wave signal is sent to the implanted chip. The chip sends it's number back to the scanner where you can easily read it in the viewing window. The interaction between chip and scanner takes less than a second, allowing the identification of instruments and bows on demand.		Each microchip contains a unique number. Think of it as an installable social security number for your instrument or bow. Chip numbers are registered upon purchase. A certificate of record is issued to you and will indicate which instrument or bow has which chip. Should your treasures be stolen or lost, the loss can be registered with our "Stolen Global Database" at no cost. This database is maintained by us as a public service.
	Installers are licensed by Aria Secure ID and trained to insert these devices in a non-destructive manner. Chips are easily inserted in internal blocks without the removal of any part of the instrument. In bows, the chips are seated ahead of the button shaft where they cannot be removed. There is no change in weight or balance. Each chip weighs .06 gram, the same as the amount of wood removed to accommodate it. Installation costs are minimal and time to install is generally less than one hour.
AVID® microchips are used by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the study of such animals as grizzly bears, black-footed ferrets and giant land tortoises. These endangered animals carry safe, permanent I.D. chips. They can be observed and protected while their habits are studied in a humane way.		Insurance premiums can be reduced by as much as 15 per cent. A number of instrument insurance companies have already subscribed to this form of identification.