I guessed it wrong. For me the second one didn't speak the notes as well. Almost as thought the violinist was pressing too hard on that one. However, I know from experience that great hand made modern instruments can sound as good or better than great old ones. Our orchestra owned a Strad that I have played on and I can sincerely say that many people would have a difficult time making it speak. I've also played on some old Italian instruments that were unbelievable and made you wish that you had never tested them. You're happiest when you don't know what you are missing.

We're not going to kill you Naska

The way I see it. You have so many more aspects than just who made the instrument. You have the Maker, materials used to build it, current condition of the instrument, current set-up (including sound-post, bridge and strings), and the player.

I've played on many EXPENSIVE violins. Some of them, I would never want if not for their high re-sell value. Others I could only wish I could get my hands on.

You can find modern instruments that sound and play as good as almost any old master but you have to hunt like crazy. You could possibly even get lucky enough to buy a cheap instrument that has a sound that is comparable to a great master violin. You would have to work on that violin and it's set-up to get it to that level.