How violins can ruin your life

South Korean-born musical prodigy Min Kym was left distraught by the theft of her Stradivarius violin.

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Min Kym: left distraught by the loss of her Strad
(Image credit: Copyright (c) 2005 Rex Features. No use without permission.)

Practice may still be the best way to get to Carnegie Hall, but for violinists an expensive instrument comes a close second, and they don't come dearer than an antique "Strad". These days, "the finest Strads can sell privately for more than $15m, usually to banks, charities and music patrons, and are loaned out to leading violinists", says Nick Glass of CNN. The violins, made by the legendary 17th-century Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari, are regarded as "exquisitely crafted" and the musical equivalent of a racing car. They are also limited in number, with about 550 left in existence.

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