Antique violins are instruments of true beauty and value that can be appreciated by collectors and musicians in equal measure. These violins can be hundreds of years old and can sell for thousands, if not millions of dollars. Just as with scultpture and paintings, the value is often in the rich history behind the instrument, it's story. There a numerous varieties of antique violins, many made by such consumate craftsmen as Amati, Stradivari, Vuillaume, Amati, Bergonzi, Guarneri, Gasparo da Salò, 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. Probably the most renowned of antique violins are those made by Stradivarius. 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.
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. 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.
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. Amongst the earliest Amatis responsible for their renown was Andrea Amati. 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.
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
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.
Violins first began to appear in the late 1500s in Italy. Probably the most renowned of antique violins are those made by Stradivarius. 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.
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. 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.
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. Amongst the earliest Amatis responsible for their renown was Andrea Amati. 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.
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
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.
