It’s More Important than Ever to Help String Musicians Access Career-Changing Instruments

Melissa White with the Gagliano c1780 violin “The Oliveira” (photo by Titilayo Ayangade)

When a Stradivari violin sells for a staggering $23 million, it’s going to make headlines in the classical world. These are legendary instruments and symbols of exceptional craftsmanship and history. 

While these rare and costly violins grab the headlines, the fact remains that many musicians struggle to secure access to the instruments that could make the difference between a promising career and a stagnant one. They don’t typically need a Stradivari or another multi-million-dollar piece. What they need is a fine, reliable instrument—a professional-grade violin, viola, or cello—that will help them unlock their full potential.

The vast majority of these high-quality instruments have skyrocketed in value, making them more of a financial asset than an accessible tool for musicians. In fact, many of these instruments are no longer in the hands of those who use them for their intended purpose—performance. Instead, they’re often stored away in private collections or museums. As a result, fewer of these instruments are being played in concerts and performances, depriving musicians of the chance to play them and hone their craft—and audiences of the chance to hear them.

This is where Strumenti comes in. Strumenti bridges the gap by helping musicians finance high-quality instruments. The musician enables their patrons to co-invest, sharing the costs as well as sharing the potential for value appreciation over time.  Through this model, musicians can gain access to premium instruments—without the enormous financial burden—helping them progress in their careers and bring their musical aspirations to life. 

Strumenti.com cofounders Jim Kelly and Steve Obenski

As we’ve seen with Strumenti artists Ava Pakiam and Melissa White: the right instrument match can enhance a musician’s performance by empowering them to better express the sound they hear in their heads–and their hearts. It’s not just about sound– though fine instruments have greater tonal richness, better intonation, and more expressive capabilities—it’s about the intimate relationship between musician and instrument in producing an expressive performance.

We believe in making these instruments more accessible while also allowing investors to take part in something truly meaningful: the advancement of an artist’s career and the preservation of a piece of musical heritage. These “patron-investors” can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing they’ve helped foster the growth of an artist’s career. Strumenti provides patron-investors with updates on the use and status of the instrument, including when and where they can hear it played live.

By expanding access to these great instruments, we can ensure that more musicians have the tools they need to succeed and that the music world continues to thrive with fresh talent. If you’re interested in joining us on this journey, we invite you to sign up for our mailing list below.