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Stradivarius violins are renowned for their supposedly superior sound when compared to other instruments. This has resulted in numerous studies hunting for a scientific reason for why Strads sound so good. A number of these studies have focused on the chemical composition of the wood in violins made in Cremona by Antonio Stradivari in the 17th and 18th centuries. Others have considered the violins made by Stradivari's contemporary, Joseph Guarneri del Gesu, whose violins are widely considered to be just as good.
Research often looks at how the materials used in the construction of the instrument define its superior quality. For example, one study argued that a "little ice age" which affected Europe from 1645 to 1715, was responsible for the slow-growth wood used in the construction of the violins that gives them a particular quality. This type of wood would have been available to all violin makers in Europe so other work has looked at the particular varnish applied to Strads. But the most recent study on this showed that Stradivari finishes were also commonly used by other craftsmen and artists and were not particularly special.
Now a team of scientists from National Taiwan University have tried to uncover the secret of Stradivarius violins by analysing the chemistry of the wood they're made from. The researchers found that the aged and treated maple wood had very different properties from that used to make modern instruments. But is there really a secret to be found in the Stradivarius?
(Score: 2) by frojack on Wednesday December 21 2016, @08:46PM
Coke is a brand.
So is Pepsi.
I don't know where you were going with that train of thought, but you derailed it right there.
No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday December 21 2016, @09:19PM
My point was the pepsi brand is not as strong as coke. Sorry if that was not clear. Pepsi has had a long history of not sticking the brand persuasion. They have a 'young hip' sort-o-ish kinda marketing going. It works to a point. Coke on the other hand has a better branding. With stronger colors. Its persuasion is better all around. They sell 2 cans of coke for every one can of pepsi. That is my point. They have a worse product that actually sells better.
My supposition was Stradivarius is better could be a marketing persuasion thing. When they are in reality no better than others out there.
(Score: 2) by t-3 on Wednesday December 21 2016, @10:31PM
They have a product some people feel is worse, not a worse product. I can't stand the taste of pepsi, but coke is acceptable.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday December 22 2016, @03:55AM
Coke = conservative (It's the Real Thing)
Pepsi = liberal (The choice of a New Generation)
Of course, that's all marketing. It's sugared water either way, but backed by the marketing, distribution, and financial might of two of the biggest corporations in the world.