11 of the world’s most expensive musical instruments
What is over 300 years old, made of wood, and worth millions of kroner? A Stradivarius violin of course! Or an antique guitar or cello for that matter.
Here’s a list of some of the world’s most expensive musical instruments, and while they all have price tags of the juicier kind, most musicians would still sign that they’re worth every penny!
11. Classical Guitar, Robert Bouchet
A Robert Bouchet guitar is rare and expensive enough as it is – the famous French guitar maker only made 150 guitars during his lifetime. This extra unique example bears not only Bouchet’s signature but also his Paris address and the date the guitar was built.
10. Classical guitar, Antonio de Torres
The modern classical guitar owes much to Antonio de Torres. The acoustic guitars made today are still based on the instruments de Torres built in the 19th century. He must have known he was on to something big, as he began signing his creations in 1871. Ironically, however, the guitars built before 1871 are the most sought-after. In 2007, this 1864 model was auctioned for $157,000. What Is The World’s Best-Selling Musical Instrument?
9. Violin, Giovanni Battista Ceruti
Giovanni Batista Ceruti decided at the age of 40 to finally pursue his passion for musical instruments, and violins in particular. Problems with access to good materials meant that Ceruti had to settle for cheaper woods, which he compensated for through his detailed craftsmanship. It paid off handsomely in 2009 when this example was sold at auction for $158,500.
8. Viola da Gamba, Pieter Rombouts
The instruments in the Viola da Gamba string family are some of the rarest in the world. The beauty of the violins’ sound is world-famous and Pieter Rombout’s instruments are still used today for, among other things, record recordings. In 2009, one of the coveted violins sold for $212,500 at auction.
7. Violin, Carlo Giuseppe Testore
Carlo Giuseppe Testore made everything from violins to double basses and cellos. One of his violins, made in Milan in 1701, sold a few years ago for $218,500 at auction.
6. Cello, Gennaro Gagliano
Gennaro Gagliano came from a family that had always been involved in the manufacture of stringed instruments. The most expensive of his instruments sold at auction is this cello from 1765.