Modern-day musicians continue to seek out famous 17th century Stradivarius violins, which can reportedly sell for tens of millions of dollars. A new study now reveals that a proprietary method of wood processing, likely employed to prevent worm infestation, is responsible for the instruments’ superior sound, according to an article from Science Alert.
The study from biochemist Joseph Nagyvary at Texas A&M University used spectroscopy, microscopic analysis and other chemical techniques to identify a treatment mix of borax, zinc and copper sulfates, alum and lime water. These chemicals were used to preserve the wood and tweak the acoustics, and were reportedly found to be running all over and through the wood. Because there was no patent protection at the time, violin makers would have worked to keep their process a secret, which may be one of the reasons the techniques died out, according to Science Alert.
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