The prices are what is especially idiotic-the old Ferraris had Cinzano
wrappers for fuses and were painted with mops, Purdey never built a
double gun with the strength or true precision of numerous American
guns, and the distinctive sound of Stradivari hasn't ben heard as
Stradivari did in almost 200 years-ALL old violins of any quality from
that era have been substantially reworked for modern playing.

Gratification is art. Realization is engineering plus
craftsmanship-and the doing is the real satisfaction. Not seeing whose
dick is the biggest via the second rate means of Sotheby's.