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 e-mail [log in to unmask]