Stradivarius Violins Can Be Worth More Than $15 Million Dollars, And Here’s Why They’re So Pricey
These days, a Stradivarius violin can go for more than $15 million at auctions. In 2011, one sold for $15.9 million.
More recently, an exceptional Stradivarius violin called the Da Vinci, made in 1714 by Antonio Stradivari, went for $15.34 million in June of 2022.
So, it’s clear that Stradivarius violins continue to be highly sought after. But what makes these centuries-old string instruments so appealing? And why are people willing to shell out such large amounts of money for them?
For the last 300 years or so, Antonio Stradivari and his violins have captivated musicians everywhere.
His violins are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, perfect symmetry, and bright, crisp sound.
Generations of instrument makers have tried to copy his work and replicate the sound of his violins in the hopes of discovering the secrets of his art.
Scientists have tested the chemical properties of the varnish he used, but nothing unusual about it was revealed.
He was using the same materials as everyone else. No one has been able to achieve Stradivari’s level of precision and refinement.
Stradivari was born in Italy in 1644 and lived to the ripe old age of 92. During his lifetime, he made over a thousand violins, and around half of them are still around today.
bizoo_n – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
He also created many cellos and a dozen violas. He began his violin-making career around the age of 12, producing his first decent instrument in 1660 when he was 16-years-old. He quickly became recognized as a high-quality luthier.
Stradivari has been credited with several design features that have helped the violin become what it is today, including the form of the violin bridge, the deep color of the varnish, and the proportions of the violin’s body. He constructed a shallower body, which elicited a more powerful sound than previous violins.
There are four primary reasons for the expensive price of Stradivarius violins. First of all, the value of a Stradivarius violin is so high because they are no longer being made, and there are so few of them left.
Secondly, the violins are believed to be of the utmost quality and character; they’re the best that money can buy.
Despite our advances in modern technology, no other instrument today can rival the brilliant sound of the Stradivarius violin.
Third, a Stradivarius violin is a significant historical artifact. Any of the violins still remaining are around 300-years-old.
The ones that are in excellent condition fetch a higher price. And lastly, Stradivarius violins are status symbols.
Their rarity and reputation will make any owner of a Stradivarius violin be regarded with awe and admiration. Since the instruments never decrease in value, they are also great investments.
Most Stradivarius violins belong to museums and private collectors, who will loan them to famous violinists.
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