The Economics of Everyday Things 66. Stradivarius Violins
Oct 14, 2024
Frank Almond, a distinguished violinist and concertmaster, joins Ziv Arazi and Bruno Price, co-owners of Rare Violins of New York. They dive into the rich history and craftsmanship of Stradivarius violins, especially the coveted Lipinski. Discussions highlight the unique blend of artistry and investment in rare instruments. They also explore the emotional connections musicians have with these historic pieces while addressing the complex economics behind ownership and the intriguing tales of theft and recovery that surround these prized violins.
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Mysterious Email Leads to Stradivarius
- Frank Almond, a concertmaster, received a mysterious email about a Stradivarius.
- This led him to a bank vault where he identified the Lipinski, a valuable violin.
Stradivarius's Enduring Legacy
- Stradivarius violins, over 300 years old, are still highly valued by musicians.
- Fewer than 1,000 were made, and only about 500 remain, contributing to their scarcity and value.
Stradivarius as an Investment
- The Stradivarius market is emotional, with values fluctuating based on soloist usage.
- However, over the past decades, these instruments have shown a consistent 7-8% annual return.