Can't identify the sound of a Stradivarius

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Arash

Posts: 4530
Joined: Aug. 9 2006
From: Iran (living in Germany)

Can't identify the sound of a Stradi...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2081558/Out-tune-Concert-violinists-identify-sound-multi-million-pound-Stradivarius.html

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what if you do the same experiment with some pro. flamenco guitar players with let say, some Reyes, Archangel, ,,, and some new and cheap but good guitars?
Even though with guitars it might be easier to identify the sound , i think many pro. players could prefer the new and cheaper guitar...

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 4 2012 6:14:06

Munin

Posts: 595
Joined: Sep. 30 2008
From: Hong Kong

RE: Can't identify the sound of a St... (in reply to Arash)

But this whole thing overlooks that sound is just one aspect of an expensive / "very good" instrument, and playability is another one that is equally important.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 4 2012 6:51:13

Rmn

Posts: 308
Joined: May 14 2011

RE: Can't identify the sound of a St... (in reply to Arash)

the name says it: INSTRUMENT

to compare it for example with instruments that were used to measure where you are at sea when traveling by boat in the 18th century, it's really bizarre how much development has been going on. now with gps and satellites.

I really think the development in musical instruments is somehow similar in the sense of: the more time people have been making a certain device, the more experience people would gather and the more problems are being solved to make it more precise and better overall.

EXCEPT for certain art pieces. things that don't function for something but for looking at. For example old paintings etc. the value of these things is getting higher every day.
I think with things like Stradivarius violins it is a bit similar. Sure they are usable. But the more: they are art pieces.

But that is my opinion

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 4 2012 9:21:33

Ricardo

Posts: 15726
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: Can't identify the sound of a St... (in reply to Arash)

It's funny how many people like to talk crap about "valencia" guitars or "factory" guitars when a lot of them are quite decent.....especially for the price.

Anyway, the big important factor is that knowing what a guitar is (or any "name" instrument) actually affects your playing. I remember I was testing a Manuel Reyes for a week and it was so inspiring that I composed an entire piece on the thing.

I mean it was actually sad to have to return it to it's owner. Some intruments actually have some sort of "duende" too that inspires. No joke.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 4 2012 14:00:01

Don Dionisio

Posts: 360
Joined: Feb. 16 2011
From: Durham, NC

RE: Can't identify the sound of a St... (in reply to Arash)

I guess that is why so many of us (myself included) are
obsessed with finding the guitar that will inspire us and make
us all play better.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 4 2012 15:39:46

Paul Magnussen

Posts: 1812
Joined: Nov. 8 2010
From: London (living in the Bay Area)

RE: Can't identify the sound of a St... (in reply to Arash)

The sample size isn’t large enough (21). Previous results showed that although most violinists indeed couldn’t tell the sound of a Strad from that of a good modern violin, there were a few who can do it every time.

I could probably find the reference if put to it.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 4 2012 15:53:16

odinz

Posts: 407
Joined: May 26 2010
From: Sarpsborg,Norway

RE: Can't identify the sound of a St... (in reply to Arash)

It is interesting, but it is also understandable.

What I have to think of is that Stradivarius did revolutionize violin building, and many of his instruments sound really good even today.

I think that this artistry and age, experience of the the instrument itself must be of some worth too.

But that doesnt mean that modern builders cant build instruments cant build incredible instruments also, I think it is sort of how Rmn says.

If one compared with guitars, everyone knows Torres, his guitars are gorgeous, but I believe more modern luthiers can make equal or better instruments today, because of the knowledge made by Torres, also there is preference for sound too..

No way I would ever play a 300 year ancient instrument though, I would probably break it and go into deep debt...

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 4 2012 16:23:45

guido

Posts: 52
Joined: Feb. 27 2006

RE: Can't identify the sound of a St... (in reply to Arash)

The results didn't surprise me I have to say. These instruments are simply overrated concerning the price. Even the musicians need status symbols

.
Yesterday I had a customer who had to decide between two acoustic guitars: a Martin and a Cort . He preferred the Cort (250 €). 1.999 € for the Martin didn't make enough sound

. Sound is so subjective...

slainte
guido

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 4 2012 23:24:39