The
Trend and Price Rise of Collecting the Antique
Violin
Collectors of
Antique Violins and History
Collecting antique violins
can be a fun hobby as well as a profitable one. The
value of an antique violin is a result of its
uniqueness. Not only are they artifacts of a past
time, they are also beautifully made.
Many collect them just for
the fine craftsmanship, but these violins may
also be historically significant. In addition,
other people like to collect them as they are a
link between the past and the future, an interest
that has remained intact through good times and
bad.
The Rare Nature of the
Antique Violin
The rarity of these
instruments is what tends to drive prices up,
making antique violins an investment now and for
years to come. Cremona, Italy was home to many
of the greatest violin makers of all time. Antique
violins from this place are some of the most
valuable.
The Masters and Their
Craft
Violin makers from this
region include Stradivari, Amati, Guarneri, and
Maggini and Stradivarius violins are still the most
well known to this day. His unique use of wood has
never been replicated and, thought the use of this
wood, a Stradivarius
violin has an unique
sound which has never been duplicated. Any
collector would be proud to have a
Stardivarius as a highlight of his
collection.
History Told Through Old
Violins
Violin making tells the story
of history as it has evolved over the years.
Economic and manufacturing development is
reflected in this craft, even if the handmade
musical instrument is not from a master. Italy,
Germany, and Japan have all been the
home of violin making at one point in time or
another while China is the current one.
Listen to the
Music
Sound is unique to each area
and a trained musician can tell exactly where and
when a violin was made just by sound. Looks may be
enough to satisfy some collectors while others are
more concerned with the sound of an antique
violin.
Got a Few Million to Spare?
Buy an Antique Violin
As the world population
increases, so does the demand for antique violins.
There is only a limited supply of these
masterpieces and people are more than willing to
pay to own a piece of history. An original
Stradivari can go for $2.7 million these days.
Investment Value
As supply dwindles due to
fires, wars and damage due
to amateur repair, prices will only
continue to increase. It is estimated that an
antique violin will increase 5% a year on average
which shows this is a solid, steady investment over
time.
This takes into account both
good and bad years and, as the world experiences an
economic downturn, antique violins remain a great
investment. Look in your closet and pull out that
violin you inherited from granddaddy. It might be
the antique for the next road show.
|
