Antique Violins and Their Mystique

Antique violins are instruments of true beauty and value that can be appreciated by collectors and musicians in equal measure

. Some violins can be hundreds of years old and sometimes sell for 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 Sal, 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 first began to appear in the late 1500s in Italy. 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. What is not widely known is that an entire family was responsible for the making of "Stradivarius" violins - the Italian luthier Stradivari family. Most notable among their members was Antonio Stradivari Some Stradivarius violins are even now being played by top performers around the world.

It's probably true that Stradivari violins have become synonymous with outstanding quality. 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. The rarity of authentic Stradivarius violins has lead to the manufacture of many copies. All real "Strads" have a label that states in Latin, "Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno" ("made in Cremona by Antonio Stradivari") with a date at the end of the inscription.

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!

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.

Antique violins not only maintain their value but appreciate over time. Many are essentially priceless, being treasured as hereditary heirlooms. A large part of their mystique lies in their stories and the aesthetic beauty inherent in their craftsmanship and sound. 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.

Antique Violins and Their Mystique

By: Dexter Mendoza

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