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.

Two main things distinguished the Stradivarius violins and other instruments from those of other luthiers. (A luthier is a maker of any stringed instrument, and the word comes from the root for "lute.") One was construction, with the style of the arching in the curves of the body and case being an innovation. Stradivari also changed the thick and thin parts of the body to a precise measurement he evolved for the best sound, and his instruments are remarkably similar in sound to each other as a result.

Many people think the critical secret to the "Strad" is the varnish used to cover and protect the wood. Stradivari created his own formula and kept it a closely guarded secret and other luthiers have been trying to duplicate it for many years. One problem is that analysis would damage an instrument, and few owners would consider taking that risk. People are still trying to match his techniques today.

Some famous violinists favor other instrument makers, but few would turn down a chance to play one the existing Stradivarius violins. Some masters own several, but this is becoming more unlikely with instruments bringing more than $3.5 million at auctions recently. Such instruments have been very carefully authenticated since there are so many fakes and imitations.

All real "Strads" have a label that states in Latin, "Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno" ("made in Cremona by Antonio Stradivari") with a date at the end of the inscription. Unfortunately, so do almost all fake ones! Most beginners have an inexpensive instrument with that exciting inscription and then a tiny "copy of" or "replica" somewhere on the label as a reality check. Some countries even extensively regulate what must go on the labels of replicas.

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.