What makes Antique Violins Unique?

Antique violins are one of the most expensive violin types, as their values vary from thousands to millions. Many of these old violins were made hundreds of years ago, but not many are left in the world today.

However, what makes them so costly? What is so unique about these violins that they can command such high prices, in which millionaires and music lovers are willing to pay?

Let's find out!

Just like paintings, sculptures and other precious collectibles, the earlier these old violins were made, the fewer they are now, the more expensive they get.

However, you have to take into account of the craftsmanship, design and innovation of the luthiers (violin makers) behind these beautiful artifacts too.

Famous luthiers made their name in the violin history books with their exquisitely-crafted musical instruments. Some of the world-renowed makers are Amati, Stradivari, and Guarneri. Their violins have fetched world-record prices at public auctions, breaking records after records.

They possess great workmanship and with their great skills, the violins they made are intricately designed with special, one-of-a-kind cravings which are missing in many models today.

Good string instruments can also last for hundreds of years, and this is one reason why old violins are often more expensive than new ones.

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Cremona, Italy, the home of world's best violin makers

Many people also believe that antique instruments possess a pleasant and unique sound. Some buy violins as investments and rent or lend them to promising young violinists or violin virtuosos.

This is one of the violins that has never been played before, yet is one of the most valuable of all Stradivari instruments.

However, the beauty of the sound of a violin has no direct relationship to the price and age of the instrument. Research has proven that secrets used by the famous luthiers in their violin making is not completely technology, but what is call "psychoacoustics"- the study of sound perception.

The sound played by violinists is as subjective as the smell of the perfume. It's based on perceptions and emotions. Even for great centuries-old violins, violinists have to fiddle with it, until the tone suits their ears.

Alright! Let's look at some of the world's famous and most expensive antique violins!

...and the masters behind these beautiful works: