Antique violins are appreciated by musicians and collectors alike. Many, but not all antique violins can be incredibly valuable, occasionally selling for millions 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. 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 were first invented in Italy in the 16th Century. 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.Many antique violins including Strads are still being played today by world class musicians.

Many have argued that Stradivarius is the pinnacle of violins.Now, it is possible to buy a Stradivarius copy.A Stradivarius made in the 1680s, or during Stradivari’s Brescian period from 1690-1700, could be worth several hundred thousand dollars or more on auction, at today’s prices and some reproductions as with the Antonius Stradivarius cremonensis made in Czechoslovakia and Germany in the early and mid 1700s by a different maker are said to be worth between 2000 to 3000 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

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.

Another famous Italian violin making family were the Amati’s who flourished at Cremona from about 1549 to 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. 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.

So it is that, antique violins are like priceless heirlooms that not only hold their value, but increase in value over time. Their appeal lies in their history and beauty - both in terms of sound and look. Who has played the instrument? What were their stories? Who listened and where? All these questions make up the mystique of the antique violin.