Antonio Stradivari is widely considered the greatest violin maker of all time, and his instruments sell for as much as $16 million.

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6. Even his violin is unique. André plays an iconic Stradivarius violin worth several million euros, which he keeps with him at all times. Known as ex-Captain Saville, the violin was made in 1667 and is revered for its unrivalled sound.

Vieuxtemps Guarneri Violin

Niccolo Paganini

While these owners of the violin — as well as the instrument’s famed bloody dye — are fictional, the true story behind the Stradivarius is compelling, nonetheless. Although its true owner in its centuries-spanning absence remains a mystery, the instrument eventually ended up in the hands of violin virtuoso Pitcairn.

Researchers have shown that recently-made violins have better sound projection than those built by the famous violinmaker Antonio Stradivarius. Sound projection of 17th and 18th century Italian violins, notably those of Stradivarius, is often considered better than more recent violins.

How many Stradivarius violins are known to exist? It is estimated that in total, Stradivari made around 1,100 musical instruments in total. Of these, 600 are still thought to be in existence. Of that number, only 244 violins are currently accounted for.

Stradivarius violins are renowned for their supposedly superior sound when compared to other instruments. For example, one study argued that a “little ice age” which affected Europe from 1645 to 1715, was responsible for the slow-growth wood used in the construction of the violins that gives them a particular quality.

The Dolphin Stradivari The “Dolphin” Stradivari from 1714, also belongs on the list of the most valuable violins ever made. It is estimated at 4 million euros and is owned by the Nippon Music Foundation. Currently, it is played by the violinist Akiko Suwanei.

Being able to identify the instrument’s authenticity is important, especially for those families who are new to violin lessons and instrument sales. Antonio Stradivari only printed a first digit “1” and the last three digits were hand written (see pictures).

One thing that might explain why older instruments are perceived to sound better is natural selection. In the case of instruments this means that only the instruments which sounded good in the first place ever made it to old age.

In the vast majority of cases, fiddles and violins are the exact same instruments played in different styles. However, some instruments are expressly designed for fiddling as opposed to classical playing. Such instruments often have a flatter bridge, which brings the strings slightly closer to the fingerboard.

Anywhere from $50 to $50,000 depending on its maker. The vast majority of violins are copies of some Stradivarius or another; most aren’t marked as such.

In fact, the vast majority of old violins that people find tucked away in attics and closets are not worth much. Or anything. Even if the label says “Stradivarius”. One of the most important things to understand about violins is that they’re hard instruments to play.

And, unfortunately, most of these “fake Stradivarius” are not very valuable. You’ll find them all over eBay, Craigslist, other used instruments sites, and tucked away in attics, basements, closets, and barns, for anywhere from free to a few hundred dollars.