Fiddle talk - VIOLIN DISCUSSION FORUM - Playing the violin

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Fungus really

Fungus is the secret

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screeeech

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May 23, 2013 - 1:38 pm

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http://www.sciencedaily.com/re.....081611.htm

Watchtower68

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May 23, 2013 - 10:14 pm

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Yup pretty interesting but on the other hand I've read that even well seasoned wood will produce a close sound to a vintage violin I've heard the difference between these violins made with mold treated wood and the original Stradivarius but there's still a thin line in the sound that you just barely hear.

But I'm sure the cost for one of these instruments treated like this wouldn't be worth the money seeing there's plenty of good luthiers out there building some good instruments that sound pretty good to and priced where you can actually keep both arms so you able to play them in the end tongue .

But it is interesting how they found out about this.

coolpinkone

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May 25, 2013 - 2:13 am

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Very interesting article... Thanks.

Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato

DanielB

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May 25, 2013 - 4:04 am

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This particular concept has made the rounds of assorted "scientific publications" a few times.

The problem is, even if it does work to mimic the sound of 300 yr old wood, I think it likely that the treatment would make the new wood unlikely to ever last that long. That and even though the fungus is killed off, there is what it is killed off with. To quote from the everpresent wikipedia..

"...ethylene oxide itself is a very hazardous substance: at room temperature it is a flammable, carcinogenic, mutagenic, irritating, and anaesthetic gas with a misleadingly pleasant aroma."

With the noted tendency of musical instruments to retain scent (and as such, chemical traces that are breathable) when played it might expose one to scents of the fungus or.. small doses of a carcinogenic and mutagenic gas. I think I'd rather pass on that. LOL

Every so often some "great discovery" is allegedly made about how Stradivarius violins were originally made, some "secret". Or someone allegedly finds some relatively easy way to duplicate their sound. This particular one, I would wonder how it will affect the longevity of the wood and as such the soundness of the instrument. Is it such a great idea, if it sounds like a "Strad" for a few years and then loses it's pleasant tone or falls apart?

Just some thoughts for 2 cents worth of gasoline for this particular fire.

"This young wine may have a lot of tannins now, but in 5 or 10 years it is going to be spectacular, despite the fact that right now it tastes like crude oil. You know this is how it is supposed to taste at this stage of development." ~ Itzhak Perlman

OldCrow

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May 25, 2013 - 4:39 am

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DanielB said
To quote from the everpresent wikipedia..

"...ethylene oxide itself is a very hazardous substance: at room temperature it is a flammable, carcinogenic, mutagenic, irritating, and anaesthetic gas with a misleadingly pleasant aroma."

With the noted tendency of musical instruments to retain scent (and as such, chemical traces that are breathable) when played it might expose one to scents of the fungus or.. small doses of a carcinogenic and mutagenic gas. I think I'd rather pass on that. LOL

I think you may have discovered the origins of "Fiddlerman". This would not be the first time a super hero was created via exposure to toxic/radioactive/mutagenic materials.