Antonio Stradivari is considered the most important violin maker of all time, and is certainly the most celebrated. His formal training is shrouded in mystery yet his first violin known to us, the “Serdet” of 1666, claims on the label that he was a student of Nicolò Amati. This theory has been rejected by modern scholars, and a possible liaison with Francesco Rugeri is considered more likely. This instrument emanates from the period which marked Stradivari’s professional independence from the Amati tradition. The back is made of beautifully figured maple, cut on the slab. The pronounced figure of the ribs, which are cut on the quarter, are in bold contrast to the material used for the back – a consistent feature of his work from the 1680’s and 90’s. The front and scroll are later replacements which complement the instrument well. The sound is warm and has a beautiful sonority.