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If the materials differ, do the differences change the sound?

Asked 26 Oct 2026 by ·Part of Is there anything physically distinct about the wood and finish of Stradivari's instruments?·3 answers·0·0 following
Most likely: the material differences exist but have no reliable audible effectAhead on the evidence, not yet confirmed. It needs two reviews to be accepted.

Where it stands

Three answers have been proposed. The material differences exist but have no reliable audible effect. leads, with evidence 1 for: partly supported by its tests. Two are still possible.

Why it matters

Material differences are established; a causal link to sound is not, and the blind tests suggest any effect is small⁠[1]⁠[2].

Answers 3

Evidence: 1 for
Most likely
None of these.
Not tested enough to call either way
Evidence: none yet
Still possible
Evidence: 1 for
Still possible

History

  1. Fritz et al. puts forward: the material differences exist but have no reliable audible effect.
  2. Fritz et al.: listeners and players do not prefer or identify Stradivaris in blind tests.For: The material differences exist but have no reliable audible effect.
  3. Su et al. puts forward: the mineral treatment and aged wood change plate stiffness and damping enough to be heard.
  4. Su et al.: altered cellulose nanostructure in heavily treated Stradivari samples.For: The mineral treatment and aged wood change plate stiffness and damping enough to be heard.
  5. Asked on this site
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