Every child who aspires to be a violinist knows the name of Antonio Stradivari and also understands that violins that bear his name, in the Latin form Stradivarius, are among the finest musical instruments ever constructed. Stradivarius violins are famous for both the amazing prices they can command and for the purity and beauty of the music they produce.

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.

In some string groups, other of Stradivari's creations - violas, cellos, harps, and/or guitars - accompany his priceless violins, since those were not the only instruments he crafted. There are more than two thirds of his instruments still existing, which fortunate musicians are still playing regularly. Given that his death occurred all the way back in 1737, the enduring quality of his craftsmanship is certainly unquestionable.

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.

It is a widely held belief that Stradivari's well-guarded varnish formula was not just a protective coating of the instrument, but actually the most important secret to his violins. He was successful in keeping the formula a secret, and as such, others have tried to recreate it for generations. One reason that the Stradivarius still has not been replicated is that almost all types of useful analysis would involve damage to a priceless instrument. No collector would allow such destruction of their valued "Strad".

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.

The genuine Stradivarius creations bear a label reading, "Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno, which means "Antonio Stradivari of Cremona made this in the year," with the number of the appropriate year filled in. However, counterfeits usually say this too in order to simulate authenticity! Beginning music students generally own a low-cost instrument which may bear that same legend, but which also carry a small disclaimer such as "replica" or "copy of" so as to differentiate them. There are even strict regulations in some nations as to the language that must appear on these copies.

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.