World's Most Expensive Instrument on Sale for $18M

It's a 269-year-old Vieuxtemps Guarneri del Jesu violin
By Alp Arslan,  Newser User
Posted Dec 7, 2010 8:36 AM CST Posted Dec 7, 2010 8:36 AM CST
Promoted on Newser Dec 7, 2010 11:53 AM CST
At $18 Million - World's Most Expensive Instrument
Violinist Pinchas Zuckerman plays a 250 year-old Guarnerius del Gesu violin during a concert in Pashkov House, Moscow, Friday, March 21, 2008.   (AP)

The most expensive musical instrument in the world is for sale in Chicago. No it's not a Strad, but rather a 269-year-old Vieuxtemps Guarneri del Jesu violin. Among the oldest extant musical instruments, the violin awaits the collector who has a spare $18 million lying around. The asking price is nearly twice the record $10 million paid for a violin earlier this year, reports NPR. Why so much?

According to Jeff Fushi, the dealer selling the instrument, it has the "greatest violin sound I've ever heard." He does not expect to sell the violin to a musician because of its high price. However, he believes whoever buys it will lend it to musicians, as has happened in the past with this and other expensive violins. Read the full article. (More violin stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X