Stradivarius
A Stradivarius (or "Strad") is a stringed instrument built by members by the Stradivari family, especially by Antonio Stradivari.
The playable instruments are highly prized by world-class musicians, and others who can afford them. Their individual qualities are considered worth distinguishing, and a Strad is often identified by the name of someone (often a famous musician) who formerly owned it, or regularly performed on it.
The highest price paid for a Stradivarius was £947,500 ($1.6 million) for the "Kreutzer Strad" at Christie's in London, 1998.
The world's largest collection of Stradivarius instruments belongs to the King of Spain and consists of two violins, two cellos, and a viola. They are exhibited in the Music Museum at the Royal Palace (Palacio Real) of Madrid.
Many people find violins labeled or branded as "Stradivarius," and believe them to be genuine. It is believed that there
are less than 700 genuine Strads left in existance, very few of which are unaccounted for.
The reputation of the Stradivarius is such that its name is frequently invoked as a standard of excellence in other, unrelated fields (such as ships and cars).
Named Strads and their Namesakes
Violins
Violas
Cellos
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