Fungus Helps Make Violins to Rival the Best in the World

Stradivarius Violins are the most prized musical posessions in the world. They were made by Antonio Stradivarius in Cremona, Italy. Today, the world's top and richest violinists pay millions of dollars to buy one. In 2006, one was sold for 3.5 million dollars.

Being that the violins are so old (1700-1720,) so rare (just a few hundred exist,) and sound so good (supposedly,) there have been people trying to replicate the sound of the priceless violins for years.

What makes a Stradivarius sound so good? Lots of theories have been put out there, including the density of the wood due to a mini ice-age, the glue used, and the type of lacquer that Stradivarius used on the body of the instrument. Until now, no one has been able to make an instrument that sounded quite as good.

Check out this article on the blind taste-test on a fungus-treated instrument. While you're at it, check out this other article on whether or not the Stradivarius instruments are really the best.