Is This The Hidden Secret Behind The Stradivarius Violin

Throughout history the Stradivarius violin has been known for its superior sound quality. There have been hundreds of attempts to analyze these violins to discover their secrets and properties.

At first it was thought that the wood used in the Stradivarius violin was responsible for its sound quality. After being x-rayed it was discovered that the wood used in these violins has an extremely high density, it is also important to take into consideration the glues, varnishes and preservatives used in the making of the Stradivarius violin. These glues and varnishes have been analyzed many times over the years and have been found to play a part in the sound quality of the violin.

So what is the secret of the Stradivarius Sound?

New research by Joeseph Nagyvary a professor of biochemistry from Texas A&M University has led to some surprising new insights. The professor theorized that chemicals used on instruments are responsible for their sound. Nagyvary obtained minute wood samples of the Stradivarius violin and examined them in his laboratory, an extremely difficult task given the value of these instruments.

He discovered that the wood had been treated with many unidentified chemicals. The samples were then turned into ash so that they could be examined more closely. It was then discovered that the wood contained numerous chemicals such as borax, fluorides, chromium and iron elements.

Borax has long been used as a preservative going all the way back to the ancient Egyptians who used it in mummification. Stradivari probably treated his violins with borax to preserve the wood and protect it from worms which would eat away at the wood. Although this research has helped to explain why the Stradivarius violin has such an amazing sound there is still no single agreement on any of the above factor.

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