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.
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