Rating and value of classical and Stradivarius violins

If you own a violin and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will guide you. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your instrument, and send you a precise estimate of its value on the current market.

Then, if you wish to sell your violin, we will direct you to the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price. 

Rating and value of a violin

The violin is a widely-practiced instrument throughout the world, often found in auction rooms. The making of a violin represents a true artistic technique. Still very present today, this instrument maintains a certain value at auction.

It is therefore common to find violins in auction rooms. Nevertheless, to sell a violin at a good price, you need to know how to distinguish whether its fabrication is handmade or mass-produced.

On the market, the brand or person who made the instrument is a determining criterion in its value. In fact, this criterion makes it possible to determine its provenance as well as its manufacturing quality. So just because a violin is old doesn't mean it will be more expensive.

Some prestigious violins can fetch hundreds of thousands of euros at auction. Witness a Stradivarius violin sold for over €122,000 in 2021. 

Order of value from the simplest to the most prestigious

The history of the violin

The violin is a bowed string instrument appearing in Italy in the 16th century. This instrument is actually an evolved version of the medieval fiddle with the addition of a longer neck and a larger soundbox.

Becoming popular throughout Europe, the violin was used by famous Baroque and Classical composers such as Mozart and Bach.

Over time, the violin continued to develop with new lutherie techniques. Today, it remains a popular instrument in classical music and is used in other musical genres such as jazz, folk and rock.

Why choose auctions to sell an instrument of this type?

Beyond the musical instrument collectors who regularly buy this kind of item, private individuals can choose to buy them this way. Just because a musical instrument is bought second-hand doesn't necessarily mean it's of poor quality, quite the opposite.

Like any rare product, quality violins require a sometimes heightened search to own one - the stores selling them can be geographically distant, or the waiting times to own them excessively long.

A auction guide is available on our website to help you understand how our estimate request system works. In the same way as antique paintings or Japanese porcelain, your violins can be the subject of a free, simple and secure estimate request.

The fame of Stradivarius violins

Stradivarius violins are musical instruments made by the famous Italian violin maker Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737). Stradivarius violins are considered the most valuable and coveted instruments in the world due to their exceptional craftsmanship and remarkable sound.

The sound of Stradivarius violins is often described as rich, deep, powerful and balanced. Many great violinists, such as Niccolò Paganini and Itzhak Perlman, have contributed to their fame.

What makes Stradivarius violins so unique and precious remains a mystery. Many theories have been put forward, including aspects such as the quality of wood used, manufacturing techniques, special varnish, the shape of the soundbox and even the impact of climate on the instruments.

Today, Stradivarius violins are extremely rare and highly sought-after. Their price can reach thousands of euros at auction and are often used by virtuoso musicians, who appreciate their exceptional sound and historical value. 

Recognizing a Stradivarius violin 

All Stradivarius violins have a label inside their soundbox, visible through the instrument's soundholes. Here's a first example:

However, many false labels circulate on the market. It is also common for some violins to be made in the style of a Stradivarius, so this is specified on the label.

It is therefore important to entrust your instrument to an expert in order to be sure of the value of your property.

Expertise your property

If you own a violin and would like to know its value, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal by filling in our online form. A member of our team of experts and licensed auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of your violin's market value.

If you are considering selling your work, our specialists will also guide you through the various alternatives available to obtain the best possible price, taking into account market trends and the specific features of each object.