Antique violins are appreciated by musicians and collectors alike. Many, but not all antique violins can be incredibly valuable, occasionally selling for millions Just as with scultpture and paintings, the value is often in the rich history behind the instrument, it’s story. Some of the most valuable and collectible have been made by the great craftsmen of the past – Amati, Stradivari, Vuillaume, Amati, Bergonzi, Guarneri, Gasparo da Salo, Stainer. The violins of these men are of great value and can sometimes be heard played by top performers in leading concert halls around the world.
Violins were first invented in Italy in the 16th Century. Probably the most renowned of antique violins are those made by Stradivarius. 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.
Many have argued that Stradivarius is the pinnacle of violins.Now, it is possible to buy a Stradivarius copy.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. It is estimated that only 700 authentic Stradivarius violins exist, and for this reason they are a sought after investment. 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
In fact, replicas began to appear in earnest from the mid-19th century onwards. These replicas were not made to confuse or trick collectors, but to appeal to students and other people who appreciated the designs of these instruments but did not have the money to purchase originals. Many contemporary violin companies continue to make these replicas in the hope of perpetuating classic violin designs.Unsurprising, considering that the basic design of a violin has been more or less unchanged for about 300 years!
Another famous Italian violin making family were the Amati’s who flourished at Cremona from about 1549 to 1740.In fact, it is possible to buy an antique italian violin today due to violin making families. 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. Indeed, historical records indicate that the now famous Antonio Stradivari was apprenticed to Nicolo from the age of 11 onwards. 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. When holding an antique violin one is drawn to rich tapestry of history surrounding it. How many players has it seen? Who listened and under what circumstances? All these questions make up the mystique of the antique violin.
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