Inside the secretive world of rare violin dealing and restoration
By
Josh Sims
Summary
An inside look at the elite, secretive world of rare violin dealing and restoration. The article profiles Florian Leonhard, a master luthier and dealer who works with multimillion-dollar antique stringed instruments. It explores the craftsmanship, authentication challenges, market dynamics, and the passionate network of experts who trade these priceless objects — from Stradivariuses to Guarneris — often in discreet private sales. The piece delves into the meticulous restoration work, the science of sound, and the cultural and financial value placed on these instruments.
Source
Key quotes
· 3 pulled"Don't worry," says Florian Leonhard. "A bit of woodworm isn't usually a problem. In fact, if the creature is in the instrument, it was in the wood before it was made."
"The secret is to keep playing it. They don't like vibrations."
"I once came across a violin, 280 years old and in mint condition apart from the woodworm. It had turned it into a sieve."
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