Abstract
The violins of Stradivari are recognized worldwide as an excellence in craftsmanship, a model for instrument makers, and an unachievable desire for collectors and players. However, despite the myth surrounding these instruments, blindfolded players tendentially prefer to play modern violins. Here, we present a double blind listening experiment aimed at analyzing and comparatively rating the sound timbre of violins. The mythic instruments were listened to among other well regarded and not so well regarded violins. 70 listeners (violin makers of the Cremona area) rated the timbre difference between the simple musical scales played on a test and a reference violin, and the results showed that their preference converged on one particular Stradivari. The acoustical measurements revealed some similarities between the subjective ratings and the physical characteristics of the violins. It is speculated that the myth of Stradivari could have been boosted, among other factors, by the specimens of tonal superior quality, which biased favourably the judgment on his instruments and spread on all of the maker's production. These results contribute to the understanding of the timbre of violins and suggest the characteristics that are in a relationship with the pleasantness of the timbre.
Highlights
IntroductionViolins appear to be extremely similar to one another
To inexperienced observers, violins appear to be extremely similar to one another
The mythic instruments were listened to among other well regarded and not so well regarded violins. 70 listeners rated the timbre difference between the simple musical scales played on a test and a reference violin, and the results showed that their preference converged on one particular Stradivari
Summary
Violins appear to be extremely similar to one another When it comes to price and prestige, violins are extremely different from one another with a small selection of instruments that can be regarded as high end and an even smaller selection of instruments that reach the status of myth. Violinists to play a set of new and old violins (mainly Stradivari), select their favourite, and in Fritz et al (2012b) and Fritz et al (2014), tell whether the instruments were new or old. The results of these studies were consistent. They found that the old violins (including Stradivari) are judged to project less and are the least favourite when compared to a selection of the best worldwide production of modern makers
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