Doesn't It Count For Something if the Master Maker's label is inside my instrument?
Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737) was one of the greatest violin makers who ever lived. He made about 2,000 instruments of which roughly 600 still exist. In his lifetime, he sold instruments to royalty and the rich, and few Strads today are not well documented. Because of his fame, his designs were widely copied and many have little or no value, just like an inexpensive print of the Mona Lisa or any other great work of art.
Since the 1850s, instrument factories all over the world have produced millions and millions of cheap copies with labels that read something like “Antonius Stradiuarius, Cremonenfis Faciebat Anno 1721″. The chance that you have a genuine Stradivari, while not impossible, is very, very remote. The same holds true for other great masters of violin making such as Giuseppe Guarneri, J.B. Guadagnini, Nicolo Amati, Jacob Stainer, and others. While photographs may be of interest, an instrument must be in our hands for us to give an opinion as to an instrument's authenticity.
2 comments
Thank you for your comment, Ms. Martinez. In all likelihood, the violin that you have is not a genuine Stradivari as these instruments were always quite special and have been accounted for throughout the years. If you would like, you may call the shop and make an appointment to have us look at your violin. If you are not local, please take photos of the violin, similar to what you see on our website, front, back, scroll, maybe the label if you can catch the lighting. Have someone help you. Please email them to me and I will show them to Charles. joanne@liviolinshop.com. Thanks!
I own a violin that belonged to my Dad. He bought that used 107 years ago. Inside has a label that says "Antonius Stradiuarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno 1723 and then a small circle with a cross on top and the initials AS under. We came to USA from Argentina and the violin was inside a suitcase and has 2 fissures, one in the back and another one in the front but it perfectly holds inside the frame. The case is very deteriorate but the violin keeps its beautiful color and brightness and didn’t come apart due to the pass of the time. We have the arch, the original bridge, strings, etc. How can I know if that is a Stradivarius? It has all the charaqcteristics … but is it?. Thanks
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