Mysteries Department
Sign inRequest access

Questions

Research questions are the building block of our platform of scientific inquiry. Key questions are the ones at the heart of a mystery; every other question helps answer one of them.

4questions2answered0with no evidence yet
All mysteries
Stradivari "secret"
Stradivari "secret"2 key questions · 4 questions · 2 answered
Open the mystery
QuestionWhere it stands
KeyDo Stradivari violins sound or play better than the best new violins?
AnsweredThere is no general audible superiority; individual instruments differ more than old from new, and reputation…
KeyIs there anything physically distinct about the wood and finish of Stradivari's instruments?
Most likelyStradivari and Guarneri treated their wood with mineral solutions (borax, sulphates, salt, alum, alkali),…
If the materials differ, do the differences change the sound?
Most likelyThe material differences exist but have no reliable audible effect
Is the Messiah violin by Stradivari?
AnsweredThe Messiah is a Stradivari of about 1716.