In recent years the earliest surviving Stradivari guitar has been restored and even brought back into playing condition.

It’s the only one of the five existing guitars that is playable.

The restoration was carried out by the Sinier de Ridder workshop. They have done a marvellous job, stabilizing the body and replacing the worm-eaten 19th century neck.

I hope that one day I will be able to examine this marvellous instrument myself. For now I am very thankfull to the Sinier de Ridder workshop for doing a fine job and publishing their findings and photo’s.

For more info on the Sabionari guitar visit www.sabionari.com.

For more information on Stradivari’s guitars and working methods read my article in American Lutherie #122