Can this be a genuine Stradivarius violin?

Question

1722 stamped germany. Has the r+s 1722 and the violin itself is stamped germany, Any one have any ideas how to tell if it is a reproduction or a blatant fake? Other clues to look for?

Answer 1

I am a countyr/bluegrass fiddler and I have 2 of these Strad copys made in Germany circa 1900 they are very,very commonly played/owned by fiddlers. Others have posted the history of where these insturments originally came from so I wont repeat it. In general they are pretty well made and good sounding violins,some have a nice loud sound which is often what fiddlers want.  Many have been played hard and some have been broken and reparied several times. But if kept in excellent condition and undamaged they hold their value. I have seen them in general sell for $300 to $1500 Every once in a while one of these Strad copys sounds exceptionally good, depending on strings and a good set-up and just luck. I wouldn't want to sell either of mine, they play and sound very nice.