'Art and Soul' of World's Most Expensive Violin

When many of us think of precious objects, it is often the largest gems or the most famous paintings that come to mind. But certain rare violins inspire the same awe - and command the same astronomical prices - as these other treasures. VOA's Adam Phillips tells us about one particular violin's pride of place in the rarified world of high-end stringed instruments.

[@Iazzaboyce]

When I moved into my house I found an old violin and an old painting in the attic. I took them to an expert and he told me they were by Stradivarius and Rembrandt. When I asked how much they were worth he said: "Nothing, Rembrandt couldn't make violins and Stradivarius couldn't paint."

[@Michael-Oh]

+Iazzaboyce That was a good one! I'm going to use that next time!

[@alexrivers5898]

His name is Stradivari

[@RelaxCreatorMary]

wow,that is wise

[@SanaSamaha]

Hah, I get it!

[@mathewr2461]

I don't get it?

[@Fidi987]

Now please compare to the sound of the violin in the video "109 Dollar violin test" by Fiddlerman! :-)

[@lavinder11]

That instrument he used sounds scratchy compared to this, and hes an amazing player in his own right. There is definitely a difference. The 'worth' of an instrument in the millions is determined by scarcity for the most part.

[@poppinlochnesshopster3249]

You better hold that fucking thing with two hands girl. 3:16

[@chriss6356]

That's what she said....when she saw my tiny wiener and grabbed the keys to her car

[@jeffreycfmok]

Genuinely curious, wouldn't newer technology enable way better violins to be made than compared to old violins?

[@AndrewBarbacki]

All hype. All blind tests to date have shown a preference for modern instruments among the greatest players

[@khoanguyen2753]

some just rather feel the millions price tag than the music that, or I'm just too dumb to understand...

[@jasonrodriguez7673]

Went to the right person

[@anetmcclintock4945]

It's such a shame most of these end up in collections or showrooms. A violin very quickly loses it's integrity and sound when it is not doing what it was created to do, and that was to be played.

[@maverickdallas1004]

It is my understanding that these instruments are periodically taken out of their showcases and played in order to maintain their tonal qualities. Any acoustic instrument will go tone-dead if it sits idle for too long.

[@poppinlochnesshopster3249]

Is there any measurable reason for why this would happen? or is it just superstition?

[@ashleynr73]

Well, on oboe, if you leave it unplayed for several months, you have to undergo the break-in process again before it's safe to play without serious risk of cracking (playing it 10 min. a day for a week, 15 for the next week, etc. until you get to around 45-60 minutes). So, there's definitely some precedent for the idea that the wood acts differently when it's used to the vibrations of playing than when it's not.

[@maverickdallas1004]

Ashley ...Also moisture contained in the player's breath is absorbed into the wood, which then dries out while the instrument is idle. This causes swelling and shrinkage of the wood fibers. If done to extremes, like adding a lot of moisture to dry wood or quickly drying out damp wood, stresses develop that can result in warping, cracking and splitting. That is why the break-in process has to be done gradually and a reasonable moisture level maintained in the wood continuously thereafter. That is also why the carrying cases for very fine stringed instruments are often equipped with humidifiers to maintain a constant moisture level to preserve the structural integrity of the wood, especially when rapidly transitioning a broad range of climates.

[@34672rr]

It's a shame that people still believe these instruments sound better. I get the antique fetish, but when they say old wood sounds better or absurd shit like "loses it's sound and integrity when not played" I cringe: www.thestrad.com/blind-tested-soloists-unable-to-tell-stradivarius-violins-from-modern-instruments/ I find it hilarious though when people spend so much money on snake oil, like vintage wine, high end liquor and such, which all have been proven to be bullshit in blind tests. We have science now, and the internet, we no longer need myths. Yes, they always self perpetuate, but one should only have to be told they are myths once. My guess is you won't accept this and will try to fight it.

[@cloudusterable]

Made in the 16 century, shame she couldnt afford a new violin

[@sethkampiranon6325]

+peter withers hahaha

[@BreakMyViolinHeart]

+peter withers I know you're probably being sarcastic, but stringed instruments only get better with age.

[@marcodrago1]

+BreakMyViolinHeart Some string instruments... Violin has too much high frequencies, with time the sound gets sweeter losing high frequencies. You can throw away a guitar that's 30 years old. It does not sound anymore like when it was new, it becomes without brilliant sound and loose high tones.

[@BreakMyViolinHeart]

I'm not claiming to be a know-it-all or anything, but I'm a violinist. That may be true with some lesser instruments, but usually the handmade instruments made by those who are experienced are ones that do improve with time. That's why violins that are hundreds of years old are so highly valued, and why you can't get one without paying so much or getting one on loan from a museum or something.

[@metamaggot]

+Marco Minervini old guitars are fine you just need to refret them and make sure everything is undamaged or they go rattly get hard to play

[@nerd4341]

strings matter too. If you use low quality beginner strings, well.

[@enealiviu4797]

No! Technique matters the most. You can play a Strad horribly as a begginer or even intermediate. But if your technique is good you can even play a wooden plank with strings attached to it divinely. It's like an old saying,don't blame the tools for being a horrible craftsman.

[@dannyboy2267]

@@enealiviu4797 The quality of the instrument matters a lot for soloists and professionals though. A good quality instrument is also easier to play on.

[@simon4043]

Who can afford good strings when you've just forked out $15 million?

[@dannyboy2267]

@Robertson Thirdly Yes but there was a clear difference in quality. The g string even changed pitch when Ray played on it.

[@johnrflinn]

The quality of the bow is also extremely important

[@Khajiit_Kitty]

I own a 120 year old Japanese Suzuki violin. It has a few loose pegs, a worn label, and water damage... but it does sound noticeably different from newer model violins. It has a wonderful lush sound and handles most comfortably like it was made just for me. I wish I knew a bit more of its history but I hope to pass it on to continue its story and sound.

[@gregorycomey]

I own a violin that is almost 200 years old. It is passed on to new family members.

[@NuanDaa]

I own from jesus.

[@noelic6744]

I own a 50 year old violin and it does sound noticeably different. They work like a finely aged wine I tell you. Everything just resonates more cleanly. It's like the various parts of the violin got to properly know each other through the decades and now everything resonates as one, as its meant to be, like it has not been made that way, but born that way.

[@dustintsai1839]

@@gregorycomey You know a crap violin becomes $0 after 200 years. Only good violins increase in value.

[@WhiteDragon689]

@@dustintsai1839 A violin is only good or bad to the player. That lady's expensive Stradivarius does not sound outstanding to me. If uber rich, I would not pay so much money for it.

[@hdb80]

They are meant to be played. It changes the sound, it makes them so, so much better. What better musician than her to have lifetime access to this creation. It's as it should be. It's an honor to the instrument and maker.

[@khalidelmansouri]

I completely agree with you about the effect of playing an instrument on the enrichment of its sound quality. The most it's played the more alive it sounds. In my opinion, the grains in the wood are meant to conduct vibrations and make sound. If unplayed, the instruments sound quality starts to diminish.

[@pheart2381]

Sadly,it will probably end up sitting in a bankvault!

[@yvettekraft2371]

P Heart it won't, as violins deteriorate if not played, which is why they are lent to world-class players.

[@stevekim2160]

As a self proclaimed decent violinist.... I would LOVE the opportunity to have some UBER RICH person let me play their priceless violin. Just to ensure the wood is constantly agitated.

[@WhiteDragon689]

@@stevekim2160 You can accomplish the same by putting it in a cabinet while playing violin music.

[@god-son-love]

Worth more than any musician can earn in their lifetime.

[@hughjaness1041]

Porschen Hund pretty sure Paul McCartney could afford it

[@mle1872]

Most musicians. Not any musician. There are definitely plenty who can afford it.

[@eo4295]

@@hughjaness1041 Classical musicians

[@gybx4094]

And the poor bows never get any attention, yet without them, no lovely sound happens.

[@benn93z28]

The Ex-Vieuxtemps is a wonderful instrument. The timbre on it is absolutely astonishing, and Anne Meyers has no reason to exaggerate the sound it has. However, with all that being said, don't be terribly upset for not having the opportunity to try it for yourself. There have been a few double blind tests that pretty much debunks the myth that violins from that era have a sound that can't be duplicated. Even accomplished violinists and luthiers alike were not reliably able to distinguish an old strad vs a new violin made by great luthiers today. Not only that, but in those same tests, the old strads and del gesu's consistently underwhelmed the violinists playing them, and often came in at the bottom when it comes to which violins the violinists preferred. In fact, in one such test, the overall winner was a brand NEW violin.

[@leofu97]

The reason for that is not that they can't be duplicated, rather than flaws in the way of testing. A good instrument, even or maybe even more so a Strad, needs years and years to get accustomed to and to play it to its full potential. Even a Heifetz couldn't have just picked up any Strad and made it sound like heaven. Stop saying these instruments are not special, just because there's no original maker to defend them anymore. They ARE induplicable, and people who call themselves serious musicians and think they can judge the quality of a violin on a one-day or one-week "study" in completely unnatural circumstances, should seriously reconsider why them call themselves professionals. Have you ever played such an instrument like a Strad? I have, it didn't sound incredibly good, because I wasn't good enough as well as I didn't know the instrument. But I certainly felt the infinite possibilities with that masterpiece, of which the wood has breathed and loved for over 250 years.

[@nickdick2]

+kritischbiszumschluss That's just poetry... what you say can be also with a fine modern instrument, which also need to be known and can be also shaped by the sound requests of the player to give more and more...

[@leofu97]

David Marzoli I am not saying that modern instruments cannot sound special and beautiful. It just bothers me that so many people try so hard to "debunk" a myth that is none, saying that Strads and del Gesus are just like any other instrument. They are truly not. Also the reason why these old instruments have a special sound is due to their degree of decomposition of wood. They are very likely to be at their peak right now, not necessarily producing the same sound in a hundrer years. New instruments have freshly dried wood, which just sounds different to a sensitive year. Again, not saying that they can't produce a beuaitful tone, but these old masterworks are truly worth their praising.

[@biggysground]

I disagree with your assessment. Yes a modern violin maker can produce a violin as good or better but they cannot do that consistently as the old masters have. Out of a hundred they might hit on a few that shine. My 4th year instructor had a Stradivari and I did get to play it. The way the wood vibrated and the sound that could be expressed far surpassed my German copy's ability. I also have played an Amati that I fell in love with. Needless to say neither of those 2 violin's even to this day are for sale.

[@mateodeleon1185]

its no different to vintage acoustic guitars, and even electric guitars. the problem here lies in the person's ear and exposure. i also believe in what i personally call the "ownership principle" - one may think that the difference between a good modern instrument and a good old instrument is 5 to 10 percent, or even less than 5. but that's because many do not own or are deeply exposed to vintage / old instruments. their ears have not grown accustomed to the nuances and the character of very old wood. once you've owned an old instrument, and have played it every day for years, comparing new and old will be easier than before. ive also noticed that people will "hate" or "dislike" but when presented with such an opportunity to have one, they change tune. also, youtube doesnt do justice to the quality of sound, just like any instrument or even the human voice - you have to hear it live.

[@majora5651]

What an amazing sound! I'd love to play on such a beautiful instrument one time, though I'd probably be too paranoid to even touch it, since I'm extremely clumsy. I can really understand her. My violin was actually incredibly cheap but I fell in love with her sound. I first didn't want to take her, because I didn't like the wooden structure she had, but now! I think I'd die if something happened to her. Violins and string instruments are so wonderful and this musician is incredibly talented. I think I'll listen to some of her performances now. Also I have to say that I feel bad for the violins that lay in some safe and are never played on. Instruments are meant to sing, I'll never understand how someone can just lock them away like this, no matter how expensive they are.

[@jankodera5811]

I agree about violines collecting dust in museums. Also don't agree the capital owner giving this violine to whoever he wants. Best violines should be in hands of best players.

[@patriciajrs46]

I can't play. I would make it sound awful.

[@belmon38]

She owns 2 Strads and cried like a baby for the del Gesú?.... No comment.

[@eugenenakamura]

Most violinists tend to fall into the Strad or Del Gesu camps; very different characteristics generally speaking, and so players tend to develop a preference for one or the other.

[@DustinShreve]

People on here who are not professional musicians do not truly understand what these artists are feeling when you find a truly incredible instrument. It may sound the same to an untrained or unfocused ear as a cheaper instrument, but it really isn't that simple. It is the details that the performer hears and the overall feel of the instrument while the performer plays that determines it's exquisite quality. It's something that most people won't understand.

[@DerpTrollson]

I'm not a pro but I understand

[@AlexRiversMusic]

Dustin Shreve I agree 100%!

[@Orthanderis]

I've been playing about a year and a half and recently found a violin in a shop. It was old, really old. All beat up and scratched, chords were all caked with rosin, the glue was coming off and the varnish was worn out in all the common places. This thing looked like it was played every day for 50 years and never knew a case. But my god. I picked this thing up and it was light; so light and delicate. I actually got taken aback by it, as compared to my violin It felt like air in my hands. So I held it on my chin, and it was the single most comfortable violin I have ever held, and it gave off an energy in my hands I have never felt. It was an immediate connection. Now I have been a musician all my life, I have owned plenty of instruments of different types and this is the first time anything has made me think of them as anything but that; this wasn't an instrument, it was different, and it was unhappy on that shelf because all it wanted to do was sing. I think that's what sets the great instruments apart from the others, I touched this thing and held its soul.

[@daniellipkanov4424]

Ive played strad and del gesu violins. They are great. yes. but not that, they are THE violins. there are some great modern violin makers, which instruments are much better then strad or del gesu. They are that expensive because of their name.

[@DarkAngelEU]

It's the same with 60's strats, they still sound alot better than the most expensive ones you can find today and it's more because of how they feel while playing than how they sound. I had a Korean Squier that sounded amazing and I gave it way because I knew I will never reach the musicianship this instrument deserves to sing.

[@nishensooriaarachchi2984]

"16 *minion* dollars." 0:13

[@truejayoh]

She only paid just over 3 minion dollars.

[@christineayres7199]

16 Billion dollars 💰 😂 DR EVIL is new owner

[@dd-lv9ih]

Give it to me and it will sound like a 1$ viola you bought at the thrift store

[@chaostade4087]

same exact coment in an other video of a viola. wtf? are you a robot or smth?

[@kessler5902]

@@chaostade4087 Just a viola hater, I imagine.

[@Generalissimo_David-B]

Grand, But I preferer Hilary Hahn.

[@oliverponce6599]

1:57 highly skilled "craftspeople" LOOOOL

[@what1864]

90% player, 10% violin and bow, sound is subjective ,when the best players play a instrument it is going to get reputation, but no instrument is worth 16,000,000 unless you are uber rich wine sniffer.

[@alexrivers5898]

It's not the player that makes it expensive, it's the craftsman who makes it. Stradivari was a godsend and made it hundreds of years ago, violins are supposed to age over centuries to sound anywhere near as magnificent as this

[@therobsterisalobster]

Plus the fact there are only about 50 del gesu's in existence and so many people want to get their hands on one!

[@Ayeshakashif473]

Alex Rivers agree

[@leslieann8643]

I agree. It's only worth that much because Stradivarius made it. I wonder how much Stradivarius sold it for after he made it 300 years ago, adjusted for today's currency and inflation of course. Not to mention that, due to modern science, they've been able to figure out what gives it its sound and recreate it.

[@antonycooke6402]

No they haven't.

[@RNicolasRuvalcaba]

I just saw her last night in Laguna Beach, CA 2/17/24. She played my favorite piece, which is Bach concerto in D Minor for two violins. I've been listening to it for 40 years but it was my first time hearing it performed live..

[@chiemei4846]

What is the song in the beginnings name? Truly beautiful song!!:)

[@aaronlockhart8577]

Prokofiev violin concerto number 2 👌

[@arianawright3624]

It kind of find it sad that she dident even bow straight or flat

[@ELLENIKA12111]

You can hear the clarity in the tone when you listen to it. The tone sounded easy and smooth as a knife through butter. Beautiful instrument.

[@mrwdpkr5851]

It's good to see someone " knock the dust " off of that . It wasn't made to be hidden away and rarely played .

[@RosinaPop]

I think it is a bit sad that so many instruments are being stored. They (the instruments) are never used and are just collecting dust. But, I understand that they want to preserve the instruments for the future, but what if they all get messed up because they are not used, then the instruments would not sound as good.

[@mle1872]

Pretty sure the preservation process for these million dollar instruments is highly advanced.

[@duncanandrew3307]

@@mle1872 but not as advanced as actually having them played.

[@nicholaslovesmc1162]

I can't yell any difference between that violin and mine. Lol.

[@joshuamoreno3470]

+Nicholas Brands ?????????

[@BreakMyViolinHeart]

+NicholaslovesMC It takes time and experience to truly hear and understand the differences. :)

[@77thNYSV]

+NicholaslovesMC I think that says more about you than about the violin. LOL!

[@corncobjenkins6170]

+NicholaslovesMC HAHA YOUR A FUCKING LOSER WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOUR EARS! RIGHT GUYS! AM I RIGHT? LIKE WHAT A FUCKIN LOSER! JESUS FUCK!

[@nicholaslovesmc1162]

+Corncob Jenkins You've never heard my violin. Maybe if you did you would realise how wrong you are

[@mtv565]

The sound quality is not sonorous in the low-middle register and quite weak in the high register. Seriously some high-end modern violins sound much better than this Strad!

[@TopTributeBands-N-Stuff]

It would sound totally different (not in a good way) if my 11 yr old played it. Soooo it is worth-less (or at least worth far less) if not in the hands of ... ...

[@Viwenzam]

so.. if no one drives a car but is yet to buy. Its worth nothing? what kind of numb logic is this?

[@trevorphilips56]

If someone buys a race car, but doesn't know how to drive a stick shift to the same degree that a race car driver can, what's the point? Likewise, a master race car driver, can probably still drive a crap one well. It's the same with instruments. It doesn't matter how good it is. If the person playing it is bad, the instrument will sound bad. I don't completely agree with TopTribute BandsNstuff, but your counter argument along with your ad hominem is also wrong.

[@TopTributeBands-N-Stuff]

I will agree with Trevor :-) Just sayen, worth LESS in the hands of our 11 yr old and the sound would prove it but hey, with years of practice who knows?

[@herranton]

I don't think it's value is based on how it sounds. And it certainly isn't based on how it sounds in the hands of a particular individual. That isn't how the market works. _The value of something is defined by the amount someone is willing to pay for it._ That is all.

[@TopTributeBands-N-Stuff]

I would say it is based on the story behind it (true or false being the hard thing to really figure out and buy into or not)...

[@Sugarsail1]

its just a violin...geez...what a pretentious and pompous culture that surrounds this crap.

[@bruhwhy4237]

What is the second song she play

[@tuliobabikian]

Stam Lim The one which starts in 1:09? I think it is Winter (from The Four Seasons), first movement, by Antonio Vivaldi

[@utkarshraj1642]

Cersey got a new job I see O)

[@Betterifitsfree]

I see this a lot with guitars. Beautiful pieces of art and relics yes, but if you close your eyes and take away the hype it all comes down to the artist.

[@pcastonguay]

I saved millions by buying a Palatino.

[@bubblebass4202]

I would literally sacrifice my soul just to play a song on a strad

[@joekelly9369]

its not a strad its a del gesù ! different maker than stradavari

[@bubblebass4202]

@@joekelly9369 thank you, for correcting a 14 year old me :)

[@jimmyperkins97]

sounds like a Erhu

[@benedictyung3858]

That violin is not sacrilegious

[@porteal8986]

instruments should not sit silently in private collections. It's nice to hear this violin is in good hands

[@tasty3838]

Yes! Specially violins that are built in 17th centuries ~~ they should be played once or twice a week so it would not lose its unique and soulful sound

[@TakaS013]

That's not the worlds most expensive violin.

[@Richard-hv5hh]

Owned by my uncle. Used to keep it under his bed!

[@johndeer4250]

i like dark G strings

[@dallionesty]

What's the name of the piece she play at 0.00 - 30 second time??

[@rezpoison3802]

Engga Dallion. EW prokofiev violin concerto n2

[@kooslee1024]

you know sixteen million is alot alot more then enogh for ahouse

[@kooslee1024]

truth

[@epicyea3168]

Its just a glued together wooden box.

[@cxxxislow]

lol, much more then that

[@irishskater10140]

make one so

[@cxxxislow]

Andrew Byrne lol, ikr

[@thoyo]

diamonds are just carbon.. it's all in the value you place on it

[@definitelycortez3408]

Troll much?

[@andreaconti9927]

Came here after hearing one of those 3D printed violins

[@simon4043]

She shouldn't wear that dress while carrying a $15m violin. That could be the most expensive trip-up in history

[@mosesmartinez4364]

SORRY BUT THE PINNACLE OF VIOLINS IS THE STRADIVARIOUS

[@michaeldavis4880]

You aren't well versed in the understanding or the history of violins obviously. Let alone knowledgeable on sound. 9 out of 10 people will pick the Guenary del Gesu over Stradivarius.

[@mosesmartinez4364]

@@michaeldavis4880 YEA RIGHT YOU WISH

[@chasej7337]

She is the Joe Bonamassa of violins

[@TigeroL42]

Even from this video report you can definently tell that the high end is amazing. Still you can find great G sounds from even cheap chinese violins.

[@patriciajrs46]

Have you listened to Stainer violin videos? One of them I saw showed the highest notes he could play. I was surprised that he went almost to the bridge end of the fingerboard. The notes were crisp, clear, and clean.

[@Henrydrn1]

To say it in a Shakespearean way, nothing sings sweeter than a Stradivarius.

[@rlkinnard]

that is only due to placebo.

[@VainMoo]

I have a 69 dollar violin that sounds almost the same. And maybe in 300 more years, it will sound like this $60million violin, eh?

[@cheesegyoza]

I understand being a good steward of something so valuable but that would be like having a Bugatti Veyron and not even taking it out for a Sunday drive.

[@kirasaini4308]

I play the violin and love it very much! I actually am going to college to study music. But never would I ever buy an instrument that could pay for 500 kids' college tuition!

[@BreakMyViolinHeart]

+Kira The Musical Nerd I'm studying music education. Good luck with your studies! I've played a Stradivari violin worth $3.5 million and it was so glorious. Don't knock it until you try it! It's so different. :)

[@kirasaini4308]

BreakMyViolinHeart I'm pretty sure the sound quality of the intrument is heavenly! I bet it's amazing. But I'm not changing my mind. I would rather use that much money on more important matters

[@BreakMyViolinHeart]

You don't have to. :) But a professional musician will have a handmade instrument, not a factory made one, at the very least. Several thousand dollars, but a worthy investment for your career. :)

[@RyanRickyW]

My skill is numb. I cant see the difference. . Maybe bcoz of not seeing it in real

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

This is why I only play vintage guitars. They evoke something from me that new instruments do not.

[@donaldcook3112]

Hello Robert , Kindly define what is a 'vintage' guitar? ... A cello , violin or viola from 200-300 years ago I can appreciate , however 'when' and 'which' guitars can be classed as 'vintage? ...

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

@@donaldcook3112 For my mind any used guitar of at least 35 years old or older. Perhaps even older since I bought guitars new 35 years ago. My Explorer was purchased new in 1984 and it is considered "vintage" although it still feels like a newer guitar because of perspective. I'd have to say 50's Les Pauls and Strats for certain. I don't play Jazz but any Super 400 from the 40's would certainly be considered vintage. They are still relatively young when compared to 200 to 300 year old instruments such as these types. But give them time.

[@wedemeyerr]

A wonderful instrument. But the price definitely overrated. Capitalism 🤨

[@mercoid]

“World’s most expensive” Ridiculous. Most valuable would be more appropriate, but still as vile. Why not just say, “one of the finest and most revered instruments…? Why must we predicate everything by monetary value? It’s particularly offensive when applied to art.

[@ordnael7]

Manter violinos desses presos a armários é o mesmo que esconder a luz.

[@patriciajrs46]

It isn't the most expensive- really? I thought a Strad, $15 million, was the most expensive.

[@kicksessentials7]

The staking friday uniquely supply because increase appropriately supply inside a hulking galley. unsightly, military swordfish

[@MermaidsandGems]

Give it to me, I'll make it sound like five bucks.

[@jason101other]

I've been a huge classical music fan since childhood and honestly, though this is a beautiful instrument, sorry, it's just not true that it is superior to most all. Hell, honestly, Hahn's Vuillaime sounds just as good. There are many equal sounding violins to this. I do LOVE the gorgeous dark varnish ot this instrument though.

[@earthearth5188]

So obvious. What you say is so true.... There is nothing superior about it except age...

[@bandicoot5412]

This is what gives us primates, substance. The instrument is in excellent hands, BRAVO!

[@AlenbtgMepstoen]

G string sounds just like the G string on my violin (that violin my father got for free for me). E string sounds like - E string. And lady player in this video proves exactly that human wild imagination have no limits whatsoever. Especially when backed up with 16 million dollars.

[@KayaShadows]

Violins are amazing. My father repairs violins, they are never quite right when you first fix them, it takes month of consistent playing for them to warm back up. The new factory made violins never have the same character as a well made antique.

[@Luiz-w5s]

If I was a violin maker I would get pissed if my instrument is almost never played and stay in some rich dude stand. If I was the spirit of a violin maker, I would come back just to haunt this rich dude.

[@terrywu509]

I bought online Stradivarius labeled for $170 from a real estate clean out. Did not allow to return. Which meant no body tried. Once I set up and played it. I had never touched my Scott Cao again.

[@jasonadams527]

I can't believe 26 people didn't like this video. I sit here with a tear in my eye at the thought of even touching something that old and well preserved let alone playing one like it. Thanks for letting us hear it. I would have liked to hear more of its voice though.

[@Ana_crusis]

Bollocks. It's not worth 16 million dollars. No instrument is. They might get some idiot to pay 16 million dollars for it, that a bit different

[@amabelgarnetyanson7337]

the violin angle tho is sounds great

[@foofoobear66]

Again, an instrument is worth only what someone is willing to pay......

[@rathernotdisclose8064]

Theres a $45 million viola... Dafuq.

[@polenc7167]

I can see by your title that you are trying to appeal to an American audience by reference to the monetary value of the violin, not its beauty or dearness. To be fair, your narrator doesn't follow this monetized approach. When we go to a concert I hope our purpose ins not to parade our personal wealth by listing to a multi-million dollar instrument. Get it, it's about the music not high finance. Leave that aspect to the bankers. (Was this document based on an article in Forbes Magazine--I pray not.)

[@cletedavis5849]

It would help if you'd ditch the commentary and just let us hear the violin!

[@bobwferguson]

Some times violins are squeaky especially when I play them

[@jlescoe21]

Anonymous donor = Her ultra wealthy husband... He is obviously the one who bought it and "donated" it to her to use...

[@brucejoseph8367]

Luthiers of today are making comparable instruments as has been proved in many blind tests. So how do you keep your antique violin prices high? You get a famous violinist to spout prentious nonsense and pay them well, of course.

[@lossantoscity3249]

Ive been on a Binge watching this expensive Violins and the Owners are all anonymous giving it to someone who is incredibly skilled talented, Am i missing something? Why do this anonymous people give 10's of millions to someone they dont know?

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

That Vieuxtemps. Can't pronounce it.

[@stephanebelizaire3627]

Wonderful !

[@elvis4428]

just superstition....... tell me that 60 million violin is the perfect violin is the same as say that has tried every violin existing on earth and agreed that this is best...

[@joevasquez3434]

Anna Meyers, the poor man's, very very poor man's Pearlman.

[@jonathanpardoe8722]

I think the information about value may be wrong here as the Violin used by Wallace Hartley has been found and just sold at auction for much more than the instrument here . Wallace Hartley was the band leader on the Titanic .

[@chel3SEY]

Very few people can tell the difference. Far too much is made of these violins. Much of it is cynical marketing to create mystique and increase the value of the instruments.

[@samukis272]

"The G-string is so dark and rich"

[@Henrydrn1]

Depends on who's wearing it.

[@davidwalker5054]

Has anybody noticed the Glaring Flaw in this demonstration. Every one listening to this Violin is doing so on an electrical device. Be it a smart Phone or a computer these violins are noted for their projection of sound

[@WhiteDragon689]

This lady has a very strange aura. It has a deep undercurrent of repressed anger and resentment, almost defiant. Feels like sandpaper. I bet she is not pleasant to be around as its her way or the highway. She may own the most expensive Stradivarius but it will pass along in due time in its journey. I do not like the sound she makes on it, it is not pure.

[@77thNYSV]

anybody know what she's playing in the beginning?

[@MadJDMTurboBoost]

0:13 sixteen minion dollars?

[@victorvalenzuela7626]

MadJDMTurboBoost

[@victorvalenzuela7626]

MadJDMTurboBoost I think she pays for the antique value but..... Idk... it does sound beautiful thou

[@jasonadams527]

Yeah a 17th century musical instrument that performs regularly. Try to get that out of a Martin or Taylor guitar. Maybe someday. But just think about it, that instrument was made about the time Newton was playing with his apple and developing his inertial equations and here it is today delighting audiences world wide. I wouldn't even expect it to have a monetary value it is priceless.

[@ileoliang]

I know where i'm going to on GTA next...

[@mr.stealyourgirl1779]

she is just trying to increase its value by making false claims, engineers could make an exact replica hat plays the exact same tunes and musicians would still claim the old one is leagues above.

[@mrmonguerwtf2976]

with only the first 9 seconds i already had a seizure from the pleasure

[@bbyjay3155]

There is something with expensive violins that literally sounds emotion

[@kirojk666]

siCKXteen million dollars!

[@stevengates4437]

AI,will one day copy theese....get to it!

[@naciomay8582]

lol he represents a million dollar italian violin but still puts a tie over a stripped shirt 😂he cleary is an american not an italian anymore