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Collecting
Insights and Perspectives
- Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737) and his family were probably the most well-known fine string instrument makers. Stradivari’s efforts were principally, though not exclusively, concentrated on the making of violins, violas and violoncellos.
- Of the 1,100 violins believed to be made by Stradivari, 650 are known to remain. These remaining pieces command extremely high prices.
- Despite the highly acclaimed reputation of Stradivari today, it is likely that the majority of the renowned violinists of the early and middle part of the eighteenth century played Amatis and Stainers.
- At the beginning of the 1800’s Stradivari’s merits as a quality violin-maker were becoming increasingly known.
- Eventually, violin-makers started to move away from the Stainer-Amati and adopted Stradivari’s principles and form.
- In the late 1800s wealthy UK families who travelled to the Continent, especially to Italy, would take back arts, including fine instruments, extending Stradivari’s reputation.
- From 1830 onwards an increased trade-relationship between the UK and Europe, coupled by the increased interest in music, further promoted Stradivari and his remarkable instruments.
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Violins and other string instruments were not only made in Cremona, Italy. Fine specimens also emanated from Germany and France.
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Following is a list of well-known makers of fine string instruments from those regions: - The Stradivari Family (Italian)
- The Amatis Family (Italian)
- Joseph Guarnerius (Italian)
- Jacobus Stainer (German)
- Matthias Albani (German)
- Jacques Bocquay (French)
- Claude Pierray (French)
- Castagnery (French)
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| Although there has historically been a demand for musical instruments that exceeds supply, causing substantial increases in value, there is no guarantee that this will be the case in the future. Demand for musical instruments of a particular type may be affected by regional or world trends and tastes. |
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