The aesthetic beauty of an antique violin is something that can be enjoyed by both musicians and collectors alike. 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 Salò, Stainer. There is also a wide variety of antique violins available, some of them one-of-a-kind treasures.
Violins first began to appear in the late 1500s in Italy. 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.
The name "Stradivarius" has also become a superlative applied to designate excellence. Indeed, even some copies of Strads, for example the Antonius Stradivarius cremonensis could fetch $2000-$3000, while a Stradivarius made in the Brescian period (1690-1700) could be worth literally hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is estimated that only 700 authentic Stradivarius violins exist, and for this reason they are a sought after investment. The rarity of authentic Stradivarius violins has lead to the manufacture of many copies. 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!
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. Indeed, historical records indicate that the now famous Antonio Stradivari was apprenticed to Nicolo from the age of 11 onwards. Unfortunately, very few Amati violins are in existence today, the few still intact are preserved carefully in museums.
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. 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? This history is the essence behind the magic of the antique violin
Italian, French and German antique violins for sale. Easily compare prices. International shipping. Get Your questions answered on the Antique Violin
Violins first began to appear in the late 1500s in Italy. 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.
The name "Stradivarius" has also become a superlative applied to designate excellence. Indeed, even some copies of Strads, for example the Antonius Stradivarius cremonensis could fetch $2000-$3000, while a Stradivarius made in the Brescian period (1690-1700) could be worth literally hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is estimated that only 700 authentic Stradivarius violins exist, and for this reason they are a sought after investment. The rarity of authentic Stradivarius violins has lead to the manufacture of many copies. 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!
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. Indeed, historical records indicate that the now famous Antonio Stradivari was apprenticed to Nicolo from the age of 11 onwards. Unfortunately, very few Amati violins are in existence today, the few still intact are preserved carefully in museums.
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. 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? This history is the essence behind the magic of the antique violin
Italian, French and German antique violins for sale. Easily compare prices. International shipping. Get Your questions answered on the Antique Violin
