Are modern violins better than Stradivarius?

Summary: Researchers have shown that recently-made violins have better sound projection than those built by the famous violinmaker Antonio Stradivarius. This study also shows that, despite the prestige of these old Italian violins, listeners prefer the sound made by recent instruments and cannot distinguish the two.

Are there better violins than Stradivarius?

Sound projection of 17th and 18th century Italian violins, notably those of Stradivarius, is often considered better than more recent violins. The results of the study showed that on average the listeners preferred the recent instruments to the Stradivarius violins and found that they had better projection.

Can you replicate a Stradivarius?

A Stradivarius violin has been “recreated” using an X-ray scanner normally used to detect cancers and injuries, according to researchers. The US-based group used a computerised axial tomography (CAT) scanner on the 307-year-old instrument to reveal its secrets.

Could violinist tell the difference between a modern violin and a Stradivarius violin?

In a double-blind test by professional violinists, most couldn’t determine — by sound alone — which violin was an original Stradivarius and which was a modern instrument. Above, a 1729 Stradivari known as the “Solomon, Ex-Lambert.”

Do strads actually sound better?

“What you hear is related to your expectations rather than the acoustical stimulus that goes through your ear,” says Fritz. “When people say Strads sounded better to them, they really did—but because they knew it was a Strad, and not because of what they actually heard.”

Where were the best violins made?

Some violins made centuries ago in Italy have a reputation for unmatched quality and sound. In fact, neither musicians nor audiences could tell much difference between them and modern-made instruments in a host of studies.

Do expensive violins actually sound better?

Higher end violins have a more desirable look, sound, and ease of playing that will keep you motivated on your journey to learn the violin. A cheaper model violin can easily start to be associated with the difficulty of playability, sound, and more of a hassle than an enjoyment.

Why do Stradivarius sound better?

Hwan-Ching Tai, an author on the study at the National Taiwan University, said Stradivari violins are often described as having “brightness” and “brilliance”, both qualities that could be rooted in the higher-frequency tones that make the instruments sound closer to female voices.

Why can’t Stradivari make violins?

As wood gets older, it’s less able to stop itself vibrating, a property known as dampening. But Stradivari had competitors, like Giuseppe Guarneri, who would have had access to the same wood, and their violins are just as old. So the age of the wood isn’t the whole answer, either.

How many Stradivarius violins are left?

650
Only about 650 surviving Stradivarius violins exist, and many of them are in the hands of private collectors, safely hidden from public view. There are even fewer cellos, about 55, and about 12 violas.

How do musicians afford Stradivarius?

Since musicians rarely can afford the instruments, the violins are owned by patrons—sometimes wealthy individuals, sometimes foundations or corporations. The patrons, in turn, need to find musicians to play the instruments, and musicians must have the instruments to perform. That’s where the dealers come in.

Which violinists have a Stradivarius?

Stradivari’s violins are still played by violinists such as Anne-Sophie Mutter, Itzhak Perlman, and Joshua Bell. The “Messiah Stradivarius” is considered the most expensive violin globally, with a value of approximately $200 million. It is currently in a collection at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England.

Are Stradivarius violins worth anything?

Stradivarius violins were made in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the instruments often fetch millions of dollars. Experts say these antiques possess the curious ability to sound quieter under the player’s ear, yet project sound farther and better in a concert hall than newer models.

What makes a Stradivarius so special?

The joy of owning and playing a Stradivarius comes not from any objective advantage in its sound, but simply from the knowledge that it is a Stradivarius. Never mind what it sounds like – it’s an elegant and beautifully made instrument that carries status in its name, gravitas in its price tag, and the weight of centuries in its wood.

Do new violins sound better than old violins?

“Regardless of musical experience, listeners preferred new over old violins and found that new violins projected sound better than old violins,” concluded the study. Both players and listeners were “unable to consistently distinguish new from old violins,” it added.

Why are antique Italian violins worth so much?

Antique Italian violins, such as those crafted by Antonio Stradivari or Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesu”, can fetch millions of dollars. Many violinists truly believe that these instruments are better than newly made violins, and several scientists have tried to work out why.