The Stradivarius vs. the Modern Violin
The Spanish II Stradivarius (1687-1689) on exhibit at Palacio Real de Madrid. (Photo: Gryffindor/Wikipedia)
Last June a Stradivarius violin sold at a charity auction for nearly $16 million.
For centuries, performers have trumpeted the sound, the feel and the quality of the Stradivarius,
Researchers in France and the US collaborated to see if professional violinists can tell the difference between a modern violin and a legendary old Stradivarius.
Once the results were in, the Stradivarius came out on the bottom.
The results are published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.
Anchor Marco Werman talks to Claudia Fritz, lead author of the study.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.