Ava Pakiam is a now-15-year-old prodigal violinist and Strumenti artist since 2023. Through this partnership, she now performs on the 1871 J.B. Vuillaume violin. Crafted by the legendary French luthier Jean Baptiste Vuillaume, the instrument is celebrated for its rich tonal quality and historic pedigree.

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.