Featured Instrument

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.

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

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

Expertly Antiqued Cellos: 3 Stunning Examples The Actual beauty of an expertly antiqued cello comes with the ability to blend old-world charm with modern craftsmanship. Those who are instructed in these kinds of instruments can visit violin shops, where they can find luthiers — who carefully distress contemporary instruments to mimic the wear and patina of historic […]

Have you ever wondered what sets fine violins apart from others? Are they worth the extra money? A handmade violin is the best option for a number of reasons. When you choose something personally crafted by a skilled violin-maker, you are also getting a one of a kind violin. There will be no other instrument made exactly […]

The Fratelli Gagliano is addressed to the brothers Giuseppe, Giovanni & Antonio Gagliano who stand for the great makers of the Gagliano family third generation, who consolidated and matured the characteristics and style later known as the Classic Neapolitan School. Violin by Fratelli Gagliano, Naples c.1800 This violin portrays an incredible picture of an important […]

Discovering the World’s Greatest Cello Luthiers If you think that the soul of the cello solely lies in the hands of the players, think again. It's the maker who breathes life first into the instrument. The art of cello making has been passed down through generations, combining tradition, innovation, and history. It doesn’t matter whether […]

Five Violas Crafted by World-Renowned Makers The viola, often overshadowed because of its closely related sibling, the violin, is a musical instrument that is well-known for its rich, resonant, and expressive tones. A luthier is someone who knows the art of transforming a piece of wood into a living, breathing musical instrument. Some luthiers have […]

Bergonzi Violins The rare instruments Carlo Bergonzi made (less than 50 remain today) are extremely elegant due to their outstanding materials, exquisite varnish, and consummate execution. A master in his own right, he created an authentic style and craftsmanship in making his violins and is overshadowed only by his contemporaries Stradivari and Guarneri ‘del Gesù.’ […]

Facts about Antonio Stradivari's History Known all over the world, Stradivari crafted an estimated 1,000 instruments, 650 of which survive today. Born in 1644 and originally from Cremona, Antonio Stradivari is known as one of the best violin-makers! The luthier spent 71 years crafting violins, violas, and cellos, which is quite a lot for somebody who […]