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The name of Antonio Stradivari resounds with every would-be violin player, and each is well aware that Stradivari's creations, named for him in the Latin version of his surname, are inimitably crafted musical instruments. Stradivarius violins have gained international renown both for the clarity and loveliness of the music they produce and for the incredible prices would-be buyers are willing to pay for them.

The Italian violin was the premier instrument for many centuries for all who play strings, and Italy produced some of the most skilled violin makers in history. All violinists know about Amati and Guarneri, but Stradivari is without doubt the most notable and respected and his instruments still the most coveted. He was in fact a student of Amati himself, but exceeded even that great a master.

In addition to violins, Stradivari also made violas, cellos, guitars and harps, which accompanied the Stradivarius violin in some groups and orchestras. Approximately 70% of the instruments Stradivari created survive today, the majority of these being playable and in use. The fact that these instruments have survived the nearly 300 years since his death only reinforces the idea of quality.

There are two defining differences between the Stradivarious violins and other luthier-made musical instruments. Luthiers craft string instruments, the term being derived from the root word for "lute." One of these differences was the physical make, with the sloping curves being innovative. Secondly, the narrow and thick parts of the body were altered to enhance the sound, producing top quality. This also gave sound consistency among separate instruments. Both changes were subtle physical manipulations that had significant sound changes 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".

Many famous violinists would not turn down the chance to place a Stradivarius violin even though they may favor an instrument maker. Owning a Stradivarius is becoming unlikely now than before with recent prices over $3.5 million at auctions. Since there are many fake ones out there, the Stradivarius violins are authenticated.

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.