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Antique Violins And Their Mystique

The aesthetic beauty of an antique violin is something that can be enjoyed by both musicians and collectors alike. These violins can be hundreds of years old and can sell for thousands, if not millions of dollars. Like fine paintings, the value often comes with the history behind the violin. There a numerous varieties of antique violins, many made by such consumate craftsmen as Amati, Stradivari, Vuillaume, Amati, Bergonzi, Guarneri, Gasparo da Salò, Stainer. There is also a wide variety of antique violins available, some of them one-of-a-kind treasures.

It was in Italy in the late 16th century that the first violins made their debut. Perhaps among the most famous of antique violins are those made by Stradivarius. His instruments are known by the Latin form of his name, or as "Strads" for short. In fact this is slightly inaccurate because it suggests there was only one Stradivarius. In fact, Stradivarius violins were actually built by the 17th century Italian luthier Stradivari family, especially by Antonio Stradivari. Some Stradivarius violins are even now being played by top performers around the world.

The name "Stradivarius" has also become a superlative applied to designate excellence. A Stradivarius made in the 1680s, or during Stradivari's Brescian period from 1690-1700, could be worth several hundred thousand dollars or more on auction, at today's prices and some reproductions as with the Antonius Stradivarius cremonensis made in Czechoslovakia and Germany in the early and mid 1700s by a different maker are said to be worth between 2000 to 3000 dollars. Because only about 700 stadivarius violins are believed to exist, they are a premier investment instrument. Since there are many fake ones out there, the Stradivarius violins are authenticated. Indeed truly authentic Strads will be inscribed with the words made in Cremona by Antonius Stradivari and dated. This inscription is written in Latin

Many European Violin makers began making replicas of early violins in the mid 19-th century. The aim of these replicas was to provide students and music enthusiasts with an opportunity to purchase a similarly designed instrument at a fraction of the cost. This practice of emulating the classical designs of great violin makers continues even today.This strategy makes sense when people realize that the basic design of the violin has been relatively unchanged since the 18th century as such antique violins have also provided models for current Violin makers to follow.

Cremona was to be the scene for another renowned family of violin craftsmen. The Amati's were prolific from about 1549-1740. Andrea Amati was one of the earliest violin makers who created the Amati family legacy. Nicolo Amati is famous for improving the Amati violin by producing instruments capable of yielding greater power of tone.Subsequent improvements in the tonal quality and power can be attributed to Nicolo Amati. In fact, Antonio Stradivari as a child, served as an apprentice to Nicolo Amati, beginning his violin making career at the young age of 11. Sadly, Amati violins are not nearly as numerous as Strads. The few in existence are mostly housed within museums around the world.

So it is that, antique violins are like priceless heirlooms that not only hold their value, but increase in value over time. Their appeal lies in their history and beauty - both in terms of sound and look. Who has played the instrument? What were their stories? Who listened and where? All these questions make up the mystique of the antique violin.

Easily compare prices for a wide range of beautiful antique violins from Italy, France and Germany. Great prices. International shipping. Ask a question or get your questions answered on the antique violin.

About the Author

Dexter is an enthusiastic violinist and is interested in the beauty of the antique violin.