Guarneri violin sold for $10 million

[Charlieshafer]

Re Stradivari's and their alterations: living with a concert violinist wife has subjected me to much violin history when surrounded by her friends. Essentially, the only Stradivari left unaltered, as far as anyone knows, is the "Messiah". It's a cool story, but yes, all other Strads have new necks, many have had many repairs, as would be anticipated; tops popped on and off, cracks repaired, etc. What could one expect? There's a book out there called "Stardivari's Genius" by Toby Faber, that goes into the whole history, legend, ethos, etc in great detail and in an entertaining way. If you're a fan of old instruments of any family, it's a great read, and actually fun. If anything, it only serves to make one more appreciative of the really great instruments out there, with the potentially disastrous effect of wanting to buy every instrument ever made.

[JeffD]

the article caused me to think that music and its' instruments are like a stream that we dip into for a time then leave. It was here before us, and will be here after we are gone.

Considering the number of pockets in a shroud, everything we have is only borrowed for a time.

[OldSausage]

Considering the number of pockets in a shroud, everything we have is only borrowed for a time.

Mr Cheerful.

[lenf12]

That's why you see so many competitions where the young winner gets the use of a magnificent instrument for a period of time. It's a nice philanthropic thing to do but it also keeps the instrument in top sounding and playing shape which keeps it's value at the maximum.

For some interesting research on old violin family instruments, try Googling the "Tokyo String Quartet". Each member plays a Stradivarius instrument. The 1st violinist plays a later Strad from approx. 1738 or so and 2nd violinist plays an early Strad from the 1680's. I attended their performance here in Clearwater last year and the difference in the sound of these 2 violins was striking. Both were very beautiful but quite different. Of course the viola and cello were amazing as well. The current players in this quartet are among the finest musicians I've ever witnessed. Each was in total command of his instrument. WOW!!

Len B.
Clearwater, FL