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.

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.

Stradivarius violins are accompanied by other Stradivari instruments in some professional combos and orchestras for he also made violas, cellos, guitars, and harps. It is estimated that about 70% of the instruments he built still survive and almost all are playable and in regular use. Considering that Stradivari died in 1737, survival of that many instruments is just more verification of the quality.

Two main things distinguished the Stradivarius violins and other instruments from those of other luthiers. (A luthier is a maker of any stringed instrument, and the word comes from the root for “lute.”) One was construction, with the style of the arching in the curves of the body and case being an innovation. Stradivari also changed the thick and thin parts of the body to a precise measurement he evolved for the best sound, and his instruments are remarkably similar in sound to each other 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.

A situation in which a famous violinist would turn down the chance to play a Stradivarius violin is highly unlikely. It’s difficult to own one or more of these prized instruments as they cost upwards of $3.5 million. Because there are so many imitations, these instruments are kept careful track of.

”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. Some countries have laws that make replicas legal as long as they have these tiny words written on them.

Ye Old Violin Shop features every type of violin for sale. Whether acoustic or electric, you’ll find superb examples from Italian, German, French and other violin makers. If you’re a student and seeking a fine Italian violin, be sure to consider one of the fine copies of Stradivarius violins available.

- Daniel Wright