All of the violin world - even young children - are familiar with Antonio Stradivari and the violins that bear his "Stradivarius" mark. The reputation of the Stradivarius violin comes from its visual and musical beauty. They are exquisite instruments capable of equally amazing music, and the remarkable prices that collectors will pay for them is a testament to the high regard that the world pays these fine works of art.

For anyone who has played the strings, the Italian violin is the ultimate instrument. Italy has produced some of the best violin artisans in history. There are the greats, such as Amati and Guarneri, but none are as renowned as Stradivari. His instruments today are still coveted and respected. Once a pupil of Amati, he outshone his master.

Stradivarius violins are accompanied by other Stradivari instruments in some professional combos and orchestras for he also made violas, cellos, guitars, and harps. It is estimated that about 70% of the instruments he built still survive and almost all are playable and in regular use. Considering that Stradivari died in 1737, survival of that many instruments is just more verification of the quality.

There are two defining differences between the Stradivarious violins and other luthier-made musical instruments. Luthiers craft string instruments, the term being derived from the root word for "lute." One of these differences was the physical make, with the sloping curves being innovative. Secondly, the narrow and thick parts of the body were altered to enhance the sound, producing top quality. This also gave sound consistency among separate instruments. Both changes were subtle physical manipulations that had significant sound changes as a result.

It has long been believed that the protective varnish coating on the Stradivarius is the key to its uniqueness. It's renowned creator developed a brand new formula, which other makers of stringed instruments have been attempting to copy ever since. While they continue to strive to achieve his results, their attempts at analyzing his ingenious techniques are stymied by their understandable unwillingness to risk destroying one of his rare instruments in the process.

A situation in which a famous violinist would turn down the chance to play a Stradivarius violin is highly unlikely. It's difficult to own one or more of these prized instruments as they cost upwards of $3.5 million. Because there are so many imitations, these instruments are kept careful track of.

"Strads" with the Latin words label "Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno" ("made in Cremona by Antonio Stradivari") and with a date at the end of the inscription are typically real. But the problem is that fake, copycat "Strads" do also! Most beginners have ones that are not expensive and have both the Lain words and the date inscribe on them but as a reality check there is a tiny "copy of" or "replica" etched in, too. Some countries have laws that make replicas legal as long as they have these tiny words written on them.

Ye Old Violin Shop features every type of violin for sale. Whether acoustic or electric, you'll find superb examples from Italian, German, French and other violin makers. If you're a student and seeking a fine Italian violin, be sure to consider one of the fine copies of Stradivarius violins available.