hmmm
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Antonius Stradiuarius
1744
Stradivarius died in 1737 so it is a replica made after he died, but it is authentic 1744 violin. it is a family herlium.Mackaydon said:Do you have it's provenance and/or a Cert. of Authenticity from a reputable dealer?
roswellborn said:I'd love a better look at the neck - where the frets would be if violins had frets...
Is there a "seam" down the middle of the back? Solid pieces are harder to do, but considered nicer for the sound quality of the violin, so if there's no "seam" then that's to the good.
Sometimes an artisan had a workshop, and anything that came out of that workshop would have the artist's name on it (think Chihuly - the glass blower that hires it all done for him - cuz he's only got one eye - all his pieces have HIS name on 'em)
Loved seeing the violin - very glad you posted it - thanks!
Nan
p.s.
either the Roadshow or a reputable appraiser would probably be your best bet, anyway - but again, so very glad you shared it! thanks :-)
This is very sound advice here . . . I'd listen to this advice if I were youBuckleBoy said:Hey! This is actually buckleboy's girlfriend- I am a professional cello player and I have recently had a lot of interaction with string instrument specialists in regards to my own cello.
As you say, the instrument is a reproduction and there are millions of violins (some made in the 1700's, some made in 2010!) out there that have "Stradivarius" labels in them in attempts to get people to buy them.
However, it is extremely difficult to verify/appraise stringed instruments-- for example there are many instruments from the current century which look old but are not and there are many instruments from the 1700's which have been very carefully preserved and look almost new. The only way to get a value on the instrument is to take it to a professional luthier (string repair person/string instrument maker) for an appraisal. They will need to look at the different types of wood used, look at the different shape of the instrument's body, the neck, etc. This will probably cost about $ 20-50 but most luthiers will not charge you if they can tell that the instrument is not worth it. Also, bows are often sold separately from the instrument so the bow that is with the instrument probably does not share its origin, though bows are often worth quite a bit of money themselves!
Also, based on the appearance of the instrument in the photos, it is in need of some repairs. A luthier will be able to advise you on the proper steps to be taken to preserve the instrument (either to make the repairs or the best way to store the instrument), regardless of whether or not this is a 1700's violin!
Good Luck with your Violin!
~Diggergrl
BuckleBoy said:One more thing--do NOT put modern strings on this instrument!
If by chance it is old, then it was made to hold catgut strings rather than modern steel or synthetic strings. Putting modern strings on an old instrument could snap the neck off.
It might be bow rosin.hmmm said:it has a ball of wax looking stuff on one end, it looks realy old.
ill try find a camera and get a photo.