HEY! I have this violin and it has the following label "Hand Made Copy of Antonius Stradivarius" and next to it says "1785 West Germany". Is this thing a real Stradivarius? I`m really not looking to see if its worth anything but I want to know if it is a real Stradivarius or what is the deal with it. Can ANYONE help?

i would say it`s a copy of one, b/c the fact it says copy on it. u can especcially know if it has an a+s with a circle around it on the label. but even though it`s only a copy, it can still be worth some money, i h`ve one from Czechoslovakia and it`s worth 500-600 dollars and has an awesome sound (mainly because it`s old and seasoned lol). i would say tkae it to yer local voilin perosn and h`ve them look at it, u never know. it could be an incredible violin

considering that antonio stradivari died in 1737 I`d say definately not. there`s only about 512 real strads in existence, the chance of finding one is almost nil.

And he was italian too ....

I have a Copy of Antonius Stradivarius Made in Czechoslovakia. This is Roger`s daughter before me my father and grandmother had this violin. Wanting to keep it in the family every one of use has had the chance to play it. Belonging to me now it has had a little work done but not much. Having the original leather case and all. Now having it for over 15 yrs myself I finally want to know more. Can any one help me?

My beginner violin has a similar label. Most of these violins are inexpensive beginner instruments. Most were sold as packages. I believe many could also be purchased from catalogues way back when.

Some have a very nice tone. None, from what I`ve read, have any real monetary value, beyond $300.00 or so.

`Cheap violins` often have `ebonized` (i.e painted) fingerboards (which will show wear, and/or indentations from use), pegs, chin rests, tail pieces. In addition, the inside of the peg box will be painted black, rather than varnished.

inside mine it says "Antonius Stradiaurius Cremonensis
Faceibat Anno 1723" <--The 1723 looks hand written.
Thats all it says! is it real???? it`s an old tiny thing thats been scratched up...passed down...it has 3 strings lol i havent used it in years!
If you know anything about it please e-mail me!
froggy_237@hotmail.com

3 strings still in-tact that is LoL o ya and it has that A+S with a circle around it...is it real?