Antique Violins: Their Continuing Appeal
Antique violins are appreciated by musicians and collectors alike. These violins can be hundreds of years old and can sell for thousands, if not millions of dollars. These instruments are of great value because of their historical significance. Some of the most valuable and collectible have been made by the great craftsmen of the past - Amati, Stradivari, Vuillaume, Amati, Bergonzi, Guarneri, Gasparo da Salo, Stainer. There is also a wide variety of antique violins available, some of them one-of-a-kind treasures.
It was in Italy in the late 16th century that the first violins made their debut 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 StradivariMany antique violins including Strads are still being played today by world class musicians.
The name “Stradivarius” has also become a superlative applied to designate excellence.Now, it is possible to buy a Stradivarius copy.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. 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. 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.In fact, it is possible to buy an antique italian violin today due to violin making families. 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. 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. 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. Their appeal lies in their history and beauty - both in terms of sound and look. 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? All these questions make up the mystique of the antique violin.