Around 1690, and for a period of ten years thereafter, Stradivari manufactured a series of violins that are known by the epithet ‘Long Pattern’ thanks to their narrow and elongated bodies. It is generally assumed that the Cremonese master developed this new type of instruments after considering those from the school of Brescia, particularly the violins made by Gasparo da Salò (1540–1609) and Giovanni Paolo Maggini (c.1580–c.1630). In creating this form, Stradivari achieved a full harmony in his instruments’ bodies that had hitherto been unachieved.
More information: Antonio Stradivari Set 1, Volume 1, Page 224