blind-test

In 2012 a controversial study pitting modern violins against old Italians generated heated debate among string lovers. On 7 April the results of a follow-up experiment are due to be published. Here, researchers Claudia Fritz and Joseph Curtin explain the thinking behind the second study, in which ten professional soloists performed on new and old instruments in an auditorium outside Paris, before an audience of around 50 'experienced listeners'.

Click here to read the results of the experiment

Click here to read about one member of the audience's experiences

 

From the archive: classic and modern violins compared (1935)