The name of Antonio Stradivari resounds with every would-be violin player, and each is well aware that Stradivari's creations, named for him in the Latin version of his surname, are inimitably crafted musical instruments. Stradivarius violins have gained international renown both for the clarity and loveliness of the music they produce and for the incredible prices would-be buyers are willing to pay for them.



For anyone who has played the strings, the Italian violin is the ultimate instrument. Italy has produced some of the best violin artisans in history. There are the greats, such as Amati and Guarneri, but none are as renowned as Stradivari. His instruments today are still coveted and respected. Once a pupil of Amati, he outshone his master.

In some string groups, other of Stradivari's creations - violas, cellos, harps, and/or guitars - accompany his priceless violins, since those were not the only instruments he crafted. There are more than two thirds of his instruments still existing, which fortunate musicians are still playing regularly. Given that his death occurred all the way back in 1737, the enduring quality of his craftsmanship is certainly unquestionable.

There are two distinguishing characteristics of the Stradivarius violins in addition to any other stringed instrument made by a luthier. (The luthier is craftsman of any sort of stringed musical instrument. The word originates from the root of "lute.") The first characteristic was construction, as the style of the bending in the curvature of the central portion and the case became modernized. Stradivari in addition altered the fat and slim portions of the body to an exact measurement which he developed into the ideal tone, as an outcome his musical instruments are quite alike in sound.

It is a widely held belief that Stradivari's well-guarded varnish formula was not just a protective coating of the instrument, but actually the most important secret to his violins. He was successful in keeping the formula a secret, and as such, others have tried to recreate it for generations. One reason that the Stradivarius still has not been replicated is that almost all types of useful analysis would involve damage to a priceless instrument. No collector would allow such destruction of their valued "Strad".

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.

"Strads" with the Latin words label "Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno" ("made in Cremona by Antonio Stradivari") and with a date at the end of the inscription are typically real. But the problem is that fake, copycat "Strads" do also! Most beginners have ones that are not expensive and have both the Lain words and the date inscribe on them but as a reality check there is a tiny "copy of" or "replica" etched in, too.