Fine Instruments, Makers and Stories

How a rent-to-own programme lets a musician play a fine violin, viola or cello now and buy it later — the deposit, the monthly rate, the maths, and who it suits.

Try Luiz Amorim's handcrafted violins, violas and cellos from Cremona in Los Angeles (Oct 25, 27–28) and San Francisco (Oct 30–Nov 1). By appointment only.

The Great Cremonese Masters of the Past: six makers, from Amati to del Gesù, on show at Amorim Fine Violins, 2–4 Oct 2026. Free entry, live concert Saturday.

Discover who owns Stradivarius violins today, from museums and banks to foundations and collectors, and how these rare instruments are preserved.

How to choose a professional cello: budget tiers, trial steps, and provenance checks for experienced cellists investing in an advanced instrument.

Discover why violin provenance and naming matter so much in the fine instrument world, from Ex designations to legendary names like Canone and Leduc.

What violin does Hilary Hahn play? What about Perlma, and Paganini Competition winner Giuseppe Gibboni? Look at the instruments behind today's top soloists.

Discover the story of Louis Morizot and his five sons, the Mirecourt family whose bows shaped twentieth century French bow making.

Found a "Stradivarius" label in your violin? Learn how to identify genuine labels versus copies, and why many high-quality instruments carry this name today.

A complete guide to the best violin brands, or rather, the makers behind them. From Cremona's masters to contemporary luthiers like Luiz Amorim.