> I'd be surprised if there was ever a period where blind testers could tell the difference. If you read the study which OP summarizes, it claims to show that

> I'd be surprised if there was ever a period where blind testers could tell the difference. If you read the study which OP summarizes, it claims to show that blind testers NOW definitely CAN tell the difference. The best "new" violins of today are better than old strads, where "better" is defined as any of: (1) objectively produces more sound volume for a given level of bow pressure as measured via a db meter at a specific location (2) subjectively "projects better" (either alone or against an orchestra) as judged by listeners (3) "is preferred" as judged by listeners. The people judging in the tests for (2) and (3) have included the performers themselves, skilled listeners, and unskilled interested observers. The results seem to be really consistent - most listeners unambiguously judge the newer instruments better. So no, it's not like wine tasting. At least, not anymore.