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Elite Violinists Can't Distinguish Between a Stradivarius and a Modern Violin

sciencehabit (1205606) writes "If you know only one thing about violins, it is probably this: A 300-year-old Stradivarius supposedly possesses mysterious tonal qualities unmatched by modern instruments. However, even elite violinists cannot tell a Stradivarius from a top-quality modern violin, a new double-blind study suggests. Like the sound of coughing during the delicate second movement of Beethoven's violin concerto, the finding seems sure to annoy some people, especially dealers who broker the million-dollar sales of rare old Italian fiddles. But it may come as a relief to the many violinists who cannot afford such prices."

8 of 469 comments (clear)

  1. I'm playing the world's smallest violin by Richy_T · · Score: 5, Funny

    I bet that's worth a fair bit.

  2. Yes, but you *can* tell the difference if... by istartedi · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yes, but you *can* tell the difference if you play the recordings on the original vinyl with a tube amp. That's how Stradivarius intended his instruments to be heard. He even held the wood close to a fire for a few minutes, to give it that warm sound.

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  3. Re:Time to add another layer of BS indirection: by FatdogHaiku · · Score: 4, Funny

    Ugh - get it right. They are holding it wrong...

    Ok, Stop fiddling around!

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  4. Re:Moo by seepho · · Score: 4, Funny

    Too late. The summary already gave our resident armchair-experts enough fodder laugh over how everyone is stupid except them.

  5. What's in a name? by suprcvic · · Score: 4, Funny

    New violins don't have cool names like Stradivarius though. That name is so epic, it could make anything look or sound high brow and expensive. Stradivarius Coffee, home of the $75 latte. Stradivarius Bounce House, let your kids bounce around for only $125/hr. Stradivarius Water, Anything less, will dehydrate you, only $49.99 per 8oz bottle made out of the finest Stradivarius plastics. With a name like that, people will pay anything.

  6. The study was wrong. by 140Mandak262Jamuna · · Score: 4, Funny

    These violins are to be heard, not seen. They should have done a double deaf study not double blind study.

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  7. Re:Time to add another layer of BS indirection: by exomondo · · Score: 4, Funny

    It's because they are "playing it wrong" in the tests

    No it's because they weren't using Monster Cables!

  8. Re:Moo by I'm+New+Around+Here · · Score: 5, Funny

    Remember: Price and rarity are another set of entities altogether. A solid gold violin couldn't be played,

    You've never been down to Georgia, I take it.

    but would be worth a ludicrous amount of money.

    I'd bet it against your soul, because I think I'm better than you.

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