How to tell a real Stradivarius violin label?
Authentic label, hand written 732, old Roman font and Master’s age. This one is funny! Stradivari died in 1737 Many other important and obscure Italian names were also used on labels by factories, workshops and dealers of instruments: Amati, Guarneri, Gagliano, Ruggieri and many others.
How can you tell if a violin is a student instrument?
Often times, these are crudely made student instruments that wouldn’t sell, so shops and dealers would label an instrument to suggest quality. Being able to identify the instrument’s authenticity is important, especially for those families who are new to violin lessons and instrument sales.
Where are the bouts and the waist located on a violin?
The terms “bouts” and “waist” or “c-bouts” describe various parts of the violin body’s distinctive shape. When the instrument is held standing on end, the waist or c-bouts are the cinched-in area in the middle, cut out of the curve of the wood of the top along its edge.
How can I find out the origin of my violin?
If you want to know for sure, bring your instrument for a free valuation at an Amati valuation day or send our specialists at Amati some photographs for a free online valuation . If you are thinking of selling, or just curious about the origins of your violin, viola, cello or bow, come along to an Amati Valuation Day.
What makes an old violin a fake instrument?
Fake old instruments, such as the one to the left, have blisters, cracks and crackles that are painted into the varnish. Sometimes the varnish is shiny and new in addition to having fake cracks, crackling and blemishes! Finally, actually old instruments sometimes have extra lining where the top wood meets the ribs.
What makes up the body of a violin?
The body of the violin is made of two arched plates fastened to a “garland” of ribs with animal hide glue. The ribs are what is commonly seen as the “sides” of the box.
How old is a 100 year old violin?
We frequently receive phone calls about “old” modern violins. It’s understandable. To most people, anything over 5 years is old – cars, television, and grandma. So of course a violin that is 50 or 100 years old seems very old. However, in the violin business, 100 years old is actually termed and considered “modern”.
Where are the ribs located on a violin?
The ribs (or sides) are carefully crafted to hold the violin’s top and back apart, creating the space for the sound to develop. The violin’s ribs (or sides) are the wood pieces that run around the entire outer edge if the violin body, between the top and back.
