Hi,
Antonio Stradivarius (1640-1737) was an Italian violinmaker. Today his string-
instruments are desired (and very expensive), because of their technical
perfection and magnificant tone. After Stradivarius many violinmakers have
tried to copy his instruments, which appeared to be a difficult task. Neither
the choice of the wood, nor the size of the different parts of the
instruments are the problem. These are well known by today craftsmen. Some
authors of violin-books suggest that it is the composition of the varnish
used by Stradivarius and other violinmakers of his time (especially in
Cremona, Italia) to be the sound-improving element. How they prepared the
surface-coating is unknown, maybe their recipts have been lost. Nowadays
analysis show propolis as a component. Violinmakers have tried to compose the
same varnish as Stradivarius c.s. did, but have not been successfull.
Therefore it is still unknown whether the varnish itself is (for a part)
responsible for the briliant "Stradivarius" tone.
 
However I don't believe strongly in its acoustical abilities I like to put
some questions about this "sticky stuff"
 
1. Do you think it is possible to detect propolis in varnish.
   (by a pollen image?)
2. Is there something written in Bee-books or -articles about the use of
propolis in surface-coatings for music-instruments, furniture etc.
 
Further information will sound well
Best regards
Francois
 
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