A great violin doesn't make a great violin player, but it sure can help. You can take a step closer to greatness, as the violin that Joshua Bell played during his formative teen years will be sold at auction April 24 to May 16.
The 1750 instrument was made by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, a highly sought-after Italian violin maker from the 18th century who worked in Piacenza, Milan, Parma and Turin. A similar instrument was sold by Tarisio in June 2018 for $2.1 million, which is the world record for the maker.
Watch: Joshua Bell playing before Gingold on Guadagnini violin
The violin was loaned to Bell during his studies at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. He started his studies there in 1982 under the tutelage of Josef Gingold when he was only 14.
"I was unable to afford a great violin at the time," Bell said, "but thankfully Indiana University was in possession of this wonderful Guadagnini violin, and kindly lent it to me during this crucial period in my musical life, until I was able to purchase an instrument of my own. I played dozens of concerts on this fine violin and have fond memories of its glorious tone."
Tarisio has more information about the Guadagnini violin, along with the full catalog of instruments for sale.
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