Antonio Stradivari is one of the most respected and remarkable names in the history of musical instruments. Admired as the violin-making master, his legacy demonstrates a deep dedication to quality and service that goes beyond simple skill.
It was in this spirit that the most sought-after and elegant violins bearing his name came into being.
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The unmatched legacy of the master of service.
Stradivari is said to have made 1,116 instruments in total, 960 of which were violins. There are still about 650 instruments in use, of which 450–512 are violins.
His instruments are highly prized collector's items and are regarded as some of the best ever manufactured.
Most likely, Antonio Stradivari was born in Cremona, Italy, in 1644. While Stradivari's exact apprenticeship date and location are unknown, his early talent was evident.
Some people think that he studied under Nicolas Amati, the legendary violin maker Andrea Amati's grandson. According to certain beliefs, Stradivari worked as a woodworker by trade. He resided in the Casa Nuziale from 1667 to 1680, according to census records.
But one thing is certain, Stradivari started working on building his instruments at a very young age, and no matter what, he persisted in doing so!
How did he become the best?
Stradivari became obsessed with delivering the highest quality! His main dedication was always delivering the finest materials and thereby creating the best service for the players of the instruments.
Stradivari did not spare any detail in his quest for perfection. He carefully chosen the best materials, from flamed maple from Bosnia to seasoned spruce from the Alps, making sure that every part harmoniously added to the instrument's tone purity and resonance.
A steadfast dedication to supporting the music and the performer informed every bend and contour, shaping them with deliberate care.
Stradivari's commitment to service, however, went well beyond the workshop. Building contacts with the most renowned musicians of his era, he sought their advice and wisdom to further hone his skill.
At a young age, he sought out information by building a network of contacts and thereby, knowing to whom to deliver the quality service he became obsessed with.
Leaving a legacy
When the instruments were finished, Stradivari engraved his name into them with the belief that one day they would remember his name all across the world.
In the beginning it took a slow start with the instruments slowly averaging at a regular price for fine instruments.
But soon after his passing, it all changed, due to the lack of such quality instruments, musicians soon sought after all the instruments, and the demand for a good enough quality increased in great amounts.
But yet no one could make them like Stradivari, the market became saturated and builders valued profit over service.
This is why, the Stradivari violins became the most valuable ones in the world and it left the Stradivari name a legacy throughout history!
Stradivari Syndrome
The key lesson from this story is that to truly become the most well known expert in your field, you should always VALUE SERVICE MORE THAN PROFIT.
To leave a legacy, one must embrace his quality as the highest good!
So are you caught by the Stradivari Syndrome?
Do you value service more than anything else?
Results may not show directly in a monetary sense but if you truly love doing your craft and deliver the highest service, it will always work out in the long run.
Violins are not made like barrels or benches. Such an instrument must be nurtured like grapes or children.
- Antonio Stradivari
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