There are only 500-600 Stradivari violins left. To play at in the top ranks of soloists, you want to have one of them. “Say you are a gifted young musician and you need an illustrious instrument to develop your musicianship, career and reputation. To buy one you have to be able to command the fees that only a career on the international circuit can provide. And for that you need a fine instrument. You are stymied.”