The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius is regarded as one of the best violins the world has ever heard, and it's set to go on the auction block.

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.

Ma Stradivarius” violin, crafted in Italy by Antonio Stradivari in 1714, is estimated to be worth up to $18 million. It is named after two past owners — violinists Joseph Joachim of Hungary (1831-1907) and Si-Hon Ma of China and later the U.