# The varnish contains a special ingredient that gives the instruments their sound.

> Disputed: The varnish contains a special ingredient that gives the instruments their sound.

Source: https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/stradivari-secret/answers/ANS0CQAGVF02NSE/the-varnish-contains-a-special-ingredient-that-gives-the  
Publisher: Mysteries Department  
Licence: CC BY 4.0 (credit Mysteries Department and link the page)  

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[Questions](https://mysteriesdept.com/questions)[Stradivari "secret"](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/stradivari-secret)[Is there anything physically distinct about the wood and finish of Stradivari's instruments?](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/stradivari-secret/questions/QST0CQAGP34147N/is-there-anything-physically-distinct-about-the-wood-and)Answer

Answer · Stradivari "secret"

# The varnish contains a special ingredient that gives the instruments their sound.

The varnish contains a special ingredient that gives the instruments their sound.

**Disputed** Answers **1** questionPublished0

## Where it stands

**Disputed** One piece of evidence for, one against. It needs two reviews to be accepted.

## What it predicts

- Unusual or mineral-rich layers in the finish not used by other makers or painters.

## What would rule it out

- Finish layers made only of common oils, resins and pigments.

## Evidence 1 for · 1 against

[A thin protein-based layer lies between wood and varnish on two violins.](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/stradivari-secret/evidence/EVD0CQAGVYM2BT4/a-thin-protein-based-layer-lies-between-wood-and-varnish-on)

Suggestive

FOR

[Five Stradivari finishes consist of a drying-oil base and an oil, pine resin and pigment layer, with no…](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/stradivari-secret/evidence/EVD0CQAGVPT3ZXM/five-stradivari-finishes-consist-of-a-drying-oil-base-and-an)

Supported

AGAINST

## The questions it answers

[Is there anything physically distinct about the wood and finish of Stradivari's instruments?](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/stradivari-secret/questions/QST0CQAGP34147N/is-there-anything-physically-distinct-about-the-wood-and)

Most likelyStradivari and Guarneri treated their wood with mineral solutions (borax, sulphates, salt, alum, alkali),…

## Cite it

```
Mysteries Department. (2026). The varnish contains a special ingredient that gives the instruments their sound. [Answer ANS0CQAGVF02NSE]. https://mysteriesdept.com/r/ANS0CQAGVF02NSE
```

Key

**ANS** 0CQAGVF02NSE

Kind

Answer · hypothesis

Origin

Published

Version

1

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