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.

For many centuries, the top of the line stringed instrument was the Italian violin, and most of the premier violin designers in the history of the world were Italian designers. All violinists today are familiar with names such as Amati and Guarneri, but by far the most well known and respected name in the history of violin creation is Stradivarius. He was a student of the master Amati, but his skills soon surpassed his esteemed mentor.

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 has long been believed that the protective varnish coating on the Stradivarius is the key to its uniqueness. It's renowned creator developed a brand new formula, which other makers of stringed instruments have been attempting to copy ever since. While they continue to strive to achieve his results, their attempts at analyzing his ingenious techniques are stymied by their understandable unwillingness to risk destroying one of his rare instruments in the process.

A situation in which a famous violinist would turn down the chance to play a Stradivarius violin is highly unlikely. It's difficult to own one or more of these prized instruments as they cost upwards of $3.5 million. Because there are so many imitations, these instruments are kept careful track of.

All real "Strads" have a label that states in Latin, "Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno" ("made in Cremona by Antonio Stradivari") with a date at the end of the inscription. Unfortunately, so do almost all fake ones! Most beginners have an inexpensive instrument with that exciting inscription and then a tiny "copy of" or "replica" somewhere on the label as a reality check. Some countries even extensively regulate what must go on the labels of replicas.