Stradivarius Violins: Often Imitated, Never Duplicated - Entertainment - Music

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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