You may hear references to playing the world's smallest violin when someone is being overly whiny or wallowing in self-pity, and now scientists have turned the joke into an actual microscopic object.

The Stradivarius madness began 50 years ago with Scranton resident Ruth Smith. Back in November 1968, she brought an old violin down to the Times Building, hoping to shed some light on whether it ...

Several years ago, Dr. Steven Sirr decided to marry his two passions: CT scans and violins. But not just any violin — a 307-year-old Stradivarius, one of the most prized instruments in the world. Sirr ...

Historical background -- Stradivari's workshop materials -- The violin forms and patterns -- Violin fittings and setup -- The dance master's kit -- The viola da gamba and viola d'amore -- The lute -- ...