Masterclass: Volume 2 – Violin Works
The second volume in The Strad's best-selling Masterclass series brings together some of the greatest pieces ever written for the violin, along with commentary by many of the world's leading soloists. James Ehnes, Jennifer Koh, Philippe Graffin, Carolin Widmann, Daniel Hope and Arabella Steinbacher are among the artists passing on their hints and tips, as well as explaining their interpretations of works by Bach, Beethoven, Ravel, Tchaikovsky and many more. In addition, every artist has annotated the sheet music with their own bowings, fingerings and comments on the music – provided in association with G. Henle Verlag.
Montagnana c.1720–Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ c.1742 ‘Paderewski, Wendling’ violin (FOLDED)
(FOLDED VERSION)
This is a unique instrument with a body by Montagnana and a top plate by Guarneri 'del Gesù'. Artists such as Vilde Frang, Isabelle Faust and Augustin Dumay have unanimously praised the violin's sound, recognising its unmistakably ‘del Gesù’ character, with dark basses, great projection and a particularly warm and open E string.
'The large Venetian model combined with the distinctive ‘del Gesù’ front arching, well-preserved thickness and f-holes, offers a particularly attractive and inspiring reference model.' - Balthazar Soulier in the January 2025 issue.
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here***
(FOLDED VERSION) Montagnana c.1720–Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ c.1742 ‘Paderewski, Wendling’ violin
This is a unique instrument with a body by Montagnana and a top plate by Guarneri 'del Gesù'. Artists such as Vilde Frang, Isabelle Faust and Augustin Dumay have unanimously praised the violin's sound, recognising its unmistakably ‘del Gesù’ character, with dark basses, great projection and a particularly warm and open E string.
'The large Venetian model combined with the distinctive ‘del Gesù’ front arching, well-preserved thickness and f-holes, offers a particularly attractive and inspiring reference model.' - Balthazar Soulier in the January 2025 issue.
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here*** 
The Strad Calendar 2025: Canada Council for the Arts
Launched in 1985, the Canada Council’s Musical Instrument Bank celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025. This year’s calendar showcases twelve of the finest instruments it regularly loans to Canadian players, including four by Antonio Stradivari and beautiful works by Montagnana, Tecchler, Pressenda, Vuillaume and two of the Gagliano family.
Returned or Flawed Posters
We have a number of rolled posters that have been returned or have minor defects, which can be obtained at a massively discounted cost. These are ideal for students or makers who do not require pristine posters to work from. Although some posters are damaged, this is usually to the sides of the posters and not across the printed images.
These posters are limited. Please contact us directly if the poster you require is not on our list: services@thestradshop.com
For our Tailored Folded Poster Bundle, click here
Our rolled posters are shipped separately from other products. One tube can hold up to 10 posters. Save on postage costs by purchasing up to 10 posters per tube today.
Masterclass Volume 1: Violin Concertos
The Strad’s Masterclass series brings together the finest string players with some of the greatest string works ever written. Always one of our most popular sections, Masterclass has been an invaluable aid to aspiring soloists, chamber musicians and string teachers since the 1990s. Now, in association with publisher G. Henle Verlag, The Strad is releasing the best of its Masterclasses as a bespoke anthology series.
Violin Bundle
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For string players and teachers, The Strad's Masterclass and Technique sections are a treasure trove of knowledge, information and playing advice. Some of the world's best-known teachers and soloists have given their top tips on how to get the best out of your instrument, and perform some of the greatest works in the repertoire.
Carlo Bergonzi ‘Salabue, Martzy’ violin 1733 poster
This stunning instrument, still in immaculate condition, bears all the hallmarks of the luthier Carlo Bergonzi, who moved into Antonio Stradivari's workshop following the latter's death. The famed instrument collector Count Cozio di Salabue called it 'my largest and most beautiful Bergonzi'. It was later used as the principal performing instrument of Hungarian virtuoso Johanna Martzy (1924–79).
'The f-holes of the ‘Salabue, Martzy’ are bold and distinctive. In concept, they derive from a Stradivari model but the stems are more angled and the wings are broader' - Jason Price in the July 2024 edition of The Strad.
***Product not included in any current discount offers***
Our rolled posters are shipped separately from other products. One tube can hold up to 10 posters. Save on postage costs by purchasing up to 10 posters per tube today.
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here***
Carlo Bergonzi ‘Salabue, Martzy’ violin 1733 poster – FOLDED VERSION
FOLDED VERSION
This stunning instrument, still in immaculate condition, bears all the hallmarks of the luthier Carlo Bergonzi, who moved into Antonio Stradivari's workshop following the latter's death. The famed instrument collector Count Cozio di Salabue called it 'my largest and most beautiful Bergonzi'. It was later used as the principal performing instrument of Hungarian virtuoso Johanna Martzy (1924–79).
'The f-holes of the ‘Salabue, Martzy’ are bold and distinctive. In concept, they derive from a Stradivari model but the stems are more angled and the wings are broader' - Jason Price in the July 2024 edition of The Strad.
***Product not included in any current discount offers***
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here***
The Best of Technique
Violin Virtuosos: From Paganini to the 21st Century by Henry Roth
Renowned critic Henry Roth brings his formidable knowledge and enthusiasm to bear on some of the greatest violinists in history. Paganini, Thibaud and Huberman rub shoulders with the likes of Isaac Stern and Itzhak Perlman in his comprehensive survey, which also provides an unusual history of the instrument itself. Paperback. 392pp.
California Classics Books; First Printing edition (March 1997)
Folded Poster Tailored Bundle
FOLDED VERSIONS
Choose any two or more of The Strad's folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each.
Watch a video of the selection here
Antonio Stradivari ‘Boissier, Sarasate’ violin 1713 poster
Made during Antonio's Stradivari's so-called 'golden period', the 1713 'Boissier, Sarasate' is in an excellent state of preservation. Housed in the museum of the Madrid Royal Conservatoire, it has rarely been played since it was left to the music school by its last owner, the Spanish virtuoso Pablo Sarasate. This poster includes full outlines and measurements taken from a state-of-the-art 3D scan of the instrument.
'The surface retains a very good amount of varnish. It is remarkable that it has not been ‘protected’ with a layer of French polish, making it ever more outstanding and appreciated in today’s shop standards. The colour of the varnish is a light reddish-brown over Stradivari’s wonderful golden ground.' – Roberto Jardón Rico in the January 2024 issue of The StradOur posters are shipped separately from other products. One tube can hold up to 10 posters. Save on postage costs by purchasing up to 10 posters per tube today.
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here***
Antonio Stradivari ‘Boissier, Sarasate’ Violin 1713 poster – FOLDED VERSION
FOLDED VERSION
Made during Antonio's Stradivari's so-called 'golden period', the 1713 'Boissier, Sarasate' is in an excellent state of preservation. Housed in the museum of the Real Conservatorio Superior de Música de Madrid, it has rarely been played since it was left to the conservatoire by its last owner, the Spanish virtuoso Pablo Sarasate. This poster includes full outlines and measurements taken from a state-of-the-art 3D scan of the instrument.
'The surface retains a very good amount of varnish. It is remarkable that it has not been ‘protected’ with a layer of French polish, making it ever more outstanding and appreciated in today’s shop standards. The colour of the varnish is a light reddish-brown over Stradivari’s wonderful golden ground.' – Roberto Jardón Rico in the January 2024 issue of The Strad
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here***
The Strad Calendar 2024: The Fulton Collection
American collector David L. Fulton amassed one of the 20th century’s finest collections of stringed instruments. This year’s calendar pays tribute to some of these priceless treasures, including Yehudi Menuhin’s celebrated ‘Lord Wilton’ Guarneri, the Carlo Bergonzi once played by Fritz Kreisler, and four instruments by Antonio Stradivari.
Antonio Stradivari ‘King Carlos IV’ violin 1709 poster
The ‘King Carlos IV’ is one of the few instruments remaining from the collection of the Spanish king, who ruled from 1788 to 1808. Made during Stradivari’s ‘golden period’, it is one of the rare examples that is so well preserved that its sound is seldom matched by other violins of the era. The maple back has deep, wide flames descending slightly, which shimmer like water in the light. The scroll is incredibly round and bold, displaying an ultimate strength in making.
Florian Leonhard examines its history and present condition in The Strad magazine July 2023
Antonio Stradivari ‘King Carlos IV’ violin 1709 poster – FOLDED VERSION
FOLDED VERSION
The ‘King Carlos IV’ is one of the few instruments remaining from the collection of the Spanish king, who ruled from 1788 to 1808. Made during Stradivari’s ‘golden period’, it is one of the rare examples that is so well preserved that its sound is seldom matched by other violins of the era. The maple back has deep, wide flames descending slightly, which shimmer like water in the light. The scroll is incredibly round and bold, displaying an ultimate strength in making.
Florian Leonhard examines its history and present condition in The Strad magazine July 2023
Antonio Stradivari ‘Harrison’ violin 1693 poster
A perfect example of Stradivari's Long Pattern, the 'Harrison' was for many years the principal performing instrument of Kyung Wha Chung. It is now part of the collection of the National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota, US.
Read more in The StradOur posters are shipped separately from other products. One tube can hold up to 10 posters. Save on postage costs by purchasing up to 10 posters per tube today.
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here***
Antonio Stradivari ‘Harrison’ violin 1693 poster – FOLDED VERSION
FOLDED VERSION
A perfect example of Stradivari's Long Pattern, the 'Harrison' was for many years the principal performing instrument of Kyung Wha Chung. It is now part of the collection of the National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota, US.
Read more in The Strad
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here*** 
Girolamo Amati II violin 1671 poster
The son of Nicolò Amati, Girolamo Amati II was the last instrument maker of the illustrious Amati dynasty. Although he made fewer violins than his forebears, the ones that have survived show the work of a skilled luthier in his prime. This violin, made in the early part of his career, is a pristine example of his craftsmanship and shows many stylistic similarities to the work of his father. It is now housed in the Royal Academy of Music.
’The maple is delicately figured on the back and ribs, and plain for the neck-block. It has been perfectly quarter-cut. Unevenly scattered bearclaw figure ruffles the surface of the one-piece spruce front' – Barbara Meyer in the July 2022 issue
Read more in The Strad
Our posters are shipped separately from other products. One tube can hold up to 10 posters. Save on postage costs by purchasing up to 10 posters per tube today.
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here***
Girolamo Amati II violin 1671 poster – FOLDED VERSION
FOLDED VERSION
The son of Nicolò Amati, Girolamo Amati II was the last instrument maker of the illustrious Amati dynasty. Although he made fewer violins than his forebears, the ones that have survived show the work of a skilled luthier in his prime. This violin, made in the early part of his career, is a pristine example of his craftsmanship and shows many stylistic similarities to the work of his father. It is now housed in the Royal Academy of Music.
'The maple is delicately figured on the back and ribs, and plain for the neck-block. It has been perfectly quarter-cut. Unevenly scattered bearclaw figure ruffles the surface of the one-piece spruce front' – Barbara Meyer in the July 2022 issue
Read more in The Strad
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here***
‘Armingaud, Fernández Blanco’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin 1732 poster – FOLDED VERSION
An extraordinarily well-preserved violin from Guarneri's middle period, the 'Armingaud, Fernández Blanco' languished for decades untouched until its rediscovery in a Buenos Aires wardrobe. The quality of its varnish and workmanship are exceptional.
'The "Armingaud, Fernández Blanco" is so well preserved that we can learn a great deal about the maker from it' – Frédéric Chaudière in the November 2017 edition of The Strad.
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here***
Antonio Stradivari ‘Willemotte’ violin 1734 poster – FOLDED VERSION
FOLDED VERSION
A masterpiece of Antonio Stradivari's late period, the 'Willemotte' has a muscular ruggedness and strong character: massive, with generous edges, full arching and broad f-holes. It is now the principal performing instrument of violinist Leonidas Kavakos. Includes measurements, thickness maps and life-size CT scans.
'The sound of the "Willemotte" leaves one grasping for the right adjectives: complex, deep, pungent, something you almost taste as much as hear' - Sam Zygmuntowicz in the December 2020 edition of The Strad.
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here***
Antonio Stradivari ‘Benecke’ violin 1694 poster – FOLDED VERSION
FOLDED VERSION
A masterpiece from Stradivari's 'Long Pattern' era, the 1694 'Benecke' remains in an almost pristine state of preservation. It was named for its owner Paul Benecke, a friend of Mendelssohn, and was greatly admired by the Hills, who called it 'probably the finest of the Long Pattern that we know of'. As well as containing full measurements, this poster includes micro-CT scans, thickness and arching maps, and all the information luthiers need to make their own copy.
'In contrast with the earlier production of Stradivari, the refined aesthetic of the ‘Benecke’... communicates a sense of fluidity and softness... which was a primary source of inspiration for other Italian makers working at the beginning of the 20th century, particularly in Milan' - Andrea Zanrè in the July 2020 edition.
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here***
