A Sotheby's auction is slated to sell an important musical instrument crafted by a noted violin maker later this week. It possibly could be auctioned to the tune of millions of dollars.

A violin made by the famed Antonio Stradivari in 1714 has the potential to become the most expensive musical instrument ever sold when it goes up for auction at Sotheby's in New York.

Stradivarius violins often sell for millions. There's a long history behind them, and violinists who swear they sound better than modern ones.

A violin made by the famed Antonio Stradivari in 1714 has the potential to become the most expensive musical instrument ever sold when it goes up for auction on Friday at Sotheby’s in New York. The auction house is estimating the value of the “Joachim-Ma Stradivarius” at $12 million to $18 million.

Ma Stradivarius” at $12 million to $18 million.

Searching for the perfect instrument to start music lessons? Here’s your chance — if you can afford it. A 311-year-old, rare Stradivarius violin, known as the Joachim-Ma, will go to auction Friday in New York with a guide price of $12 million to $18 million.

A violin made by the famed Antonio Stradivari in 1714 has the potential to become the most expensive musical instrument ever sold when it goes up for auction at Sotheby's in New York.

Crafted in 1714, the violin is expected to sell for between $12 million and $18 million in a single-lot auction that’s part of Sotheby’s 2025 Old Masters series.

Ma” was crafted during Antonio Stradivari’s “Golden Period” when he was at the “very pinnacle of his creativity.”