QUICK TAKES - July 17, 2009

Here’s an investment opportunity that definitely comes with strings attached.

Artist Rare Instrument Fund is seeking to raise $100 million this year from investors looking to buy violins, violas and cellos.

The instruments, by 17th and 18th century makers including Italy’s Antonio Stradivari, will cost about $1 million to $10 million each, he said.

The most desirable instruments have appreciated as much as 12% annually in the last 10 years, and their value isn’t tied to the rise and fall of equity and fixed-income markets, said Anthony Finley, a general partner in the New York-based fund.