Because they're hi performance and some are pieces of history.. kinda the difference between buying cloithes at walmart or having them tailor made
There are a number of reasons for this but in the end prices are always determined according to the laws of economics, ie supply v. demand. In short the supply of really first rate violins is low whilst the demand for them exceeds the supply. Well that is the simple answer. You could also add to that the fact that a really really top rate violin, and we are talking Stradivarius, Guanerius, Amati and the likes are highly collectable; to the extent that people will buy them like pieces of art rather than necessarily to play them but because they are a rarity, have a quudos value and as an investment. A first-rate vioilin not only takes weeks to make by a master craftsman who has taken probably decades of developing his skills before he can produce such quality, but takes hundreds of years to mature. Violins from the 18th Century and before have a special tonal quality to their sound that anything more recent just can not match. When you then consider that there are a very limited number of violins of quality that have reached this age and that this pool of instruments is always declining - instruments get broken, damaged beyond repair, stolen etc - you can see why there price is only going to ever go up...and keep going up. Whilst the average price for a Strad violin is currently in the region of $1.5 - $3.5 million the 'Lady Blunt' Stradivarius was sold at auction in 2011 in Japan to raise money for the Tsunami Relief Appeal and reached an incredible $15million, a world record for a violin.
My own violin collection has not yet reached the heights of Strads or del Gesu's but has a believe some fine instruments and I continue to improve and refine the collection. It includes a few from the early 18th Century and can be viewed at http://www.virtuosivioilins.com; if you care to view them you are most welcome.
Because there are so few of them in existence. A violin is by no means the simple instrument it looks. It took centuries to ascertain the best materials, shape and proportions for it. A soft wood is used for the front or belly, and a hard wood (usually maple) for the back and sides.
A very slight difference in the thickness of any part, or in the curves of the front or back, or in the depth of the body, or in the position of the little sound-post inside, connecting front with back, or in the shape of the f-holes in the front, or in the quality of the varnish used, may have a great influence on the tone. The violins made by Antonio Stradivari, of Cremona, during the first quarter of the eighteenth century, are still the best ever produced; and fetch huge sums. Some say that their remarkable quality is due to the special varnish prepared and used by Stradivari, but it may be partly due to the mellowing influence of time.
Some violins are still being played nearly 300 years after they were made.
The greatest of all violin-makers was Antonio Stradivari, better known as Stradivarius. He was born in 1644 and lived in Cremona,Italy. He began to produce his own style of violin when he was about 40 and produced his best violins in the first quarter of the 18th century. They are known as 'Strads' and many of today's best violinists still use them. They have a beautiful orange-red, deep-colored varnish. Stradivarius also made many violas and cellos.
by Donna Cosmato 10 years ago
Which of Stradivari's violins are considered the best and when did he make them?
by JP Carlos 12 years ago
Why are Stradivarius violins worth so much?
by niel cunningham 9 years ago
we have a 1727 stadivarious violin in good condition with no strings in original box with 2 bows...looking for an apprasial can u help us ph 0418736314
by Janis Leslie Evans 7 years ago
What musical instrument produces the most beautiful music to your ears?I prefer the sound of a classical piano or a romantic violin. Share your personal favorites.
by flybat 11 years ago
are there any free violins where do i find one
by luvintkandtj 11 years ago
What is the best violin for a child under 10?
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