Articles of Interest

All of the violin world - even young children - are familiar with Antonio Stradivari and the violins that bear his "Stradivarius" mark. The reputation of the Stradivarius violin comes from its visual and musical beauty. They are exquisite instruments capable of equally amazing music, and the remarkable prices that collectors will pay for them is a testament to the high regard that the world pays these fine works of art.

The Italian violin was the premier instrument for many centuries for all who play strings, and Italy produced some of the most skilled violin makers in history. All violinists know about Amati and Guarneri, but Stradivari is without doubt the most notable and respected and his instruments still the most coveted. He was in fact a student of Amati himself, but exceeded even that great a master.

In addition to violins, Stradivari also made violas, cellos, guitars and harps, which accompanied the Stradivarius violin in some groups and orchestras. Approximately 70% of the instruments Stradivari created survive today, the majority of these being playable and in use. The fact that these instruments have survived the nearly 300 years since his death only reinforces the idea of quality.

There are two defining differences between the Stradivarious violins and other luthier-made musical instruments. Luthiers craft string instruments, the term being derived from the root word for "lute." One of these differences was the physical make, with the sloping curves being innovative. Secondly, the narrow and thick parts of the body were altered to enhance the sound, producing top quality. This also gave sound consistency among separate instruments. Both changes were subtle physical manipulations that had significant sound changes as a result.

Many people think the critical secret to the "Strad" is the varnish used to cover and protect the wood. Stradivari created his own formula and kept it a closely guarded secret and other luthiers have been trying to duplicate it for many years. One problem is that analysis would damage an instrument, and few owners would consider taking that risk. People are still trying to match his techniques today.

Many famous violinists would not turn down the chance to place a Stradivarius violin even though they may favor an instrument maker. Owning a Stradivarius is becoming unlikely now than before with recent prices over $3.5 million at auctions. Since there are many fake ones out there, the Stradivarius violins are authenticated.

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. Unfortunately, so do almost all fake ones! Most beginners have an inexpensive instrument with that exciting inscription and then a tiny "copy of" or "replica" somewhere on the label as a reality check. Some countries even extensively regulate what must go on the labels of replicas.