Antique violins are not only unique, they are also very valuable. It has been estimated that, on average, these violins increase in value 5% every year. Due to their limited supply, they are very much in demand and could be used to explain this principle in any economics course quite clearly.

A Stradivarius version, made by the master Stradivari, goes for upwards of $2.5 million in auctions around the world. The supply is continuously decreasing as fires, war and inept repairs damage the few remaining in the world.

The Real Value

Yet, why are collectors so fascinated with antique violins? What makes them different from ones that are mass produced every day?

The History

Antique violins were often handmade by such masters as Maggini, Amati and Guarneri as well as the aforementioned Stradivari. Violins constructed in Cremona, Italy during the golden age are the most in demand and retain the best value.

The Greatest Violin?

A Stradivarius is still the benchmark by which all other violins are measured as it produces the clearest sound due to the uniqueness of the wood used to manufacture them. Others just cannot replicate this sound and this adds to the thrill of holding and playing a genuine Stradivarius.

Passing on Family Values

An antique violin may also be treasured as it represents the history of a family. Watching your child learn the basics of tuning and playing your grandfathers musical instrument is priceless. This connection between generations also shows the timelessness of music.

Yet, not only can an antique violin show the history of a family, it can also show the history of violin making around the world. Violins have been manufactured in Italy, Germany, Japan and now China.

Many are handmade, many are from cottage factories and the rest came about as the result of mass production. If someone is trained in the history of this instrument, they can often distinguish where and when a violin was made just by its sound quality.

The Value to a Collector

Antique violins are treasured for their uniqueness in both looks and sound. Collecting has developed into an international hobby as antique violins are from a historical time. This love of collecting has endured over the centuries and only continues to grow.

Just ask any collector who has bid in the millions to own a genuine Stradivarius or waited for hours to attend an auction which features an Amati. Then you’ll understand more about the mind of those so intriqued by the hobby.

Why do They Do It?

If this hobby is still baffling to us, be sure to check out a Mintz concert. It will quickly become clear what the value of an antique violin really is.