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LIVS Blog

Antonio Stradivari

Any violinist, or lover of music for that matter, has heard the name Stradivarius. The name is practically synonymous with the violin. But what many may not know is that...

Family of Italian Violin Makers

The early life of Antonio Stradivari has long been debated by historians, if for any other reason than the fact that there aren’t many official documents available from the time...

What is a Stradivarius?

Stradivarius is the name applied to any of the violins, violas, cellos, and other string instruments built by members of the Stradivari family. Also called “Strads,” these instruments are prized...

Top 5 Best Violin Makers of All Time

Professional violin makers are called luthiers, and they practice a fine art that has been passed down for over four centuries. While the history of the violin is shrouded in...

How to Clean a Violin

When you rent or purchase a violin, performing routine maintenance on the instrument is essential for keeping its appearance and performance top-notch. While certain types of maintenance are recommended to...

The History of the Violin Explained

The violin is one the world’s most treasured bowed stringed instruments with a lineage that dates to the sixteenth century. But as old as the violin is, its design was...

Violin Facts You May Not Know

The violin is an instrument that transcends musical genres. It is featured in just about every type of music known to man, from classical and jazz to rock and bluegrass....

Violin Storage Tips

When you’re not playing your violin, it is important to practice proper violin storage because this helps protect your instrument from a variety of things that can damage it, such...

Cracking Down on Pernambuco Trafficking

In March we published a story about the International Alliance of Violin and Bow Makers for Endangered Species and the important work they are doing in promoting efforts to conserve endangered species...

Music for Peace

Music for Peace

Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine. We’ve been watching the news in horror these past few weeks as cities have been demolished and peoples’ lives have been...

Music for a Changing Climate

Music for a Changing Climate

For the past couple of weeks, the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, has taken center stage in the news. It's not too often, however, that...

Cold Weather Damage and How to Avoid It

Cold Weather Damage and How to Avoid It

As the weather gets colder and heaters start to come on, wooden instruments become vulnerable to dryness-related damage. Wood expands and contracts with the fluctuation between humid and dry conditions....

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