violin shops sell the instrument that is probably associated with more legends, stories, myths and tall tales than any other. In the right hands a well-crafted violin can sing with the voice of angels. And in the wrong hands its sound can border on the demonic. It is not surprising that this mysterious and romantic instrument has been associated with both the celestial and the diabolical.
The great luthiers have been recognized as artists in their own right. The names of some of the families who crafted the instruments are as well known as the famous musicians who play them. Even people who know nothing else about music know what a Stradivarius is.
Millions of dollars have been paid for a single instrument made by one of the great luthier families. These instruments were made to last for many generations. A significant number of violins made in the 1600s are still being played today.
Apart from being valuable musical instruments the best handmade violins are antiques and works of art. Like other antiquities and works of art they are targets for thieves and forgers. The list of known Stradivari violins contains several that have been stolen. Among those are some that have never been recovered.
As in other parts of the world of arts and antiquities forgery is common. Since the 1800s many instrument makers and sellers have put famous maker labels on ordinary violins. Often these are good quality instruments but unscrupulous dealers know that people will pay more for the name.
Forgery is not a problem that faces most violin purchasers. An instrument does not have to be old to be good and violin shops sell many instruments to meet the needs of all but the most demanding professional musicians. Talk to someone who makes and repairs instruments and get some good professional advice before you make your choice.
The great luthiers have been recognized as artists in their own right. The names of some of the families who crafted the instruments are as well known as the famous musicians who play them. Even people who know nothing else about music know what a Stradivarius is.
Millions of dollars have been paid for a single instrument made by one of the great luthier families. These instruments were made to last for many generations. A significant number of violins made in the 1600s are still being played today.
Apart from being valuable musical instruments the best handmade violins are antiques and works of art. Like other antiquities and works of art they are targets for thieves and forgers. The list of known Stradivari violins contains several that have been stolen. Among those are some that have never been recovered.
As in other parts of the world of arts and antiquities forgery is common. Since the 1800s many instrument makers and sellers have put famous maker labels on ordinary violins. Often these are good quality instruments but unscrupulous dealers know that people will pay more for the name.
Forgery is not a problem that faces most violin purchasers. An instrument does not have to be old to be good and violin shops sell many instruments to meet the needs of all but the most demanding professional musicians. Talk to someone who makes and repairs instruments and get some good professional advice before you make your choice.
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