strads

That article describes a study where the researchers took recordings of different violins, looked for a difference in the strads, and found one.

So in a way, all modern violins replicate Strads because that is the only violin sound in existence.

Yes, all Strads are Frankensteins in some way, and for some a ship of Theseus problem emerges.

Interestingly enough, all of the Strads in playable condition have been modernized to some extent.

Looks like it was only 3 Strads and 3 new violins, which were selected from a pool of 15 submitted by violinmakers.

* The corollary is that in the year 2300 I believe top-end contemporary instruments will be as good as Strads are now.

In fact there is a growing concern that the Strads are deteriorating.

It would be fine if people admitted that strads are great largely because they're old and historically important, but they insist that they're superior violins.

To be even fairer, according to Wikipedia, Strads have not fared so well in double-blind tests, but that doesn't account for changing ears throughout history.

This is how a Strad copy violin can be seen as a fake when copying Strads has been a common and accepted practice for centuries.

There is a growing sentiment among violinists that the Strads and their ilk are being surpassed by new fiddles, and are possibly also in decline.

That doesn't establish that strads sound different, it presupposes it.

You will note that the Strads are long past the point that the wood is "good".

The current Strads are either "Ship of Theseus" type violins, or they are heavily degraded.

However, nobody involved in a "blind" test is going to slag violins that might be Strads--that would be bad for their reputation.

This, of course, contributed to the "myths" around the Strads with the varnishes, techniques, etc.

Only a handful of controlled tests have been conducted and listeners failed to identify or prefer the Strads.

As for modern handmade violins, the top ones are easily as good or even better than Strads.

There has been several studies over the years confirming the same result: The best modern violins are equal or better than Strads.