Why Do Stradivarius Violins Sound So Good?

Some believe that no violins made since Stradivari’s time (1644? – 1737)

are superior to them. But blind tests have demonstrated that some experienced musicians actually choose modern instruments over those of Stradivari. Nevertheless, Stradivarius violins are among the finest of instruments. They are extremely expensive, some selling for millions of dollars. Some have theorized that perhaps Stradivari used some special ingredient in his varnish, but modern tests have not detected anything like that. Others have considered that possibly the spruce wood used for the bellies of the instruments was superior due to colder temperatures at that time. Actually, recent scientific testing has revealed that some of Stradivari’s wood was treated with aluminum, calcium, copper, and other substances. The wood and its treatment could be an explanation, but scientists and musicians still don’t know for sure. You can read more about this in Encyclopedia Britannica and other sources. The best thing to do is simply enjoy the sound of these great instruments, either in recordings or in live performance!