Valuable violins are highly sought after instruments that are often associated with two of the most famous violin makers in history: Antonio Stradivari and Jacobus Stainer. Strads, as they are commonly referred to, are violins made by Stradivari and are considered some of the most valuable instruments in the world. Amatis are violins made by the Amati family, which includes Nicolo Amati, Girolamo Amati, and Antonio Amati, who were all renowned luthiers from Cremona, Italy. These violins are also highly sought after and are considered to be some of the finest instruments ever made.