Stradivari violin fetches record US$2m in auction

NEW YORK - A violin made more than three centuries ago by Antonio Stradivari fetched a record US$2 million ($2.77 million) in an auction, the highest price for any musical instrument, Christie's said today.

The sale surpassed the previous mark of US$1.8 million for a Stradivari violin sold in 1990, according to the auction house.

"The Lay Tennant" violin, made in 1699, the year before Stradivari's golden period style, had a presale estimate of US$800,000 to US$1.2 million.

Violins made by Stradivari and other prized Italian makers like Amati and Guarneri are highly sought after by concert artists and collectors for their high-quality sound.

- REUTERS