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How to Identify the Maker of a Violin

There are many violin makers throughout the world, though the most famous is Stradivari, known for the best sound. Other makers have tried through the years to duplicate the same sounds. Stradivarius violins are sought-after possessions that have a high value. You can determine the maker of your violin with a few household objects that will quickly help you estimate its value.

Things You'll Need

Magnifying glass
Flashlight (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Lay the violin on a flat surface in an area with bright lighting.
- 2
  Hold a magnifying glass over one of the F-holes in the violin. The F-holes are located on the body of the violin, above and below the strings.
- 3
  Peer through the magnifying glass into the violin for a paper label that is glued on the inside of the violin back. The label may be printed or a combination of printed and handwritten information.
- 4
  View and identify the maker̵7;s name, the year the violin was made and the city of origin ̵1; information that appears on almost all violin labels. If the words are printed or written in English, the violin was made for the American market and is not a priceless piece of art. If the words are in a different language, you may have an expensive relic. Translations of words that appear on common violin labels in languages other than English are available online (see Reference).

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