Varnish not the secret to Stradivarius violins
DEC 04, 2009
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.023900
NYTimes.com : In a finding that is sure to add to one of the longest-running debates in music, a detailed analysis of the varnish on five instruments made by Antonio Stradivari reveals that he coated the wood with a rather humdrum mix of oil and resin. Those looking to the varnish as the secret to the master Italian violin maker’s renown, the study suggests, had best look elsewhere.
© 2009. American Institute of Physics