Global “cooling” seems to be one reason that Stradivarius violins have a unique sound. A mini-Ice Age that started in the middle of the 17th century caused a new pattern of tree growth. Trees grew more slowly, growth rings were narrower, and wood became denser, which could account for the difference in the sound of violins made during the 1600s and 1700s. Then again, maybe other theories explain the sound of a Stradivarius violin–perhaps 300 years of aging or a unique treatment for the wood creates the special sound. Whatever the reason, the “Strad” is still the most admired violin ever made.
There are many copies of the famous Stradivarius instruments. This violin was made by Ernst Heinrich Roth in 1924 and is marked “REPRODUCTION OF ANTONIUS STRADIVARIUS, CREMONA 1745.” It sold for $3,220 in 2005, far less than the value of a genuine “Strad.”
So many people have tried to explain why Strads are so wonderful. I have heard the “Mini ice age” theory but have also read every book out about his violins as well as others. The mini Ice age theory does not fit very well . One problem is the Maple for the side back and scroll came from Bosnia,towed behind a ship in the salt water. The spruce for the top came from Italy or other locations. The varnish was a key to many Cremona Violins sounding so great as each had a different makeup.His Violins were actually smaller than his teachers such as Amati and were very different than Stainer from Germany. He does in fact have an equal in a since in Guarnieri who made far fewer instruments with great variations in quality but some are in such demand that they can fetch almost as much. Age plays a big roll in sound along with many other factors. We can build a better copy today but can’t match what 300 years can do.
I’ve come across a Copie de Antonius Stradiuarius Cremonenfts Faiebat Anno 1721. I’m trying to find the value of this antique.