Many living violin makers would be overjoyed at the notion of their instrument beating a Strad to first place in a blind test, though the day when a new instrument overtakes a Strad or Guarneri in the saleroom is unlikely to arrive. Many string players would accept that a new violin can potentially live up to the qualities of the old Cremonese masters however, given the choice, most would go for the old Italian. It's the same old story of buying wine. Stick a classy label on the bottle and add a reasurringly expensive price tag and drinkers will wax lyrical over it's fruity overtones, delicate finish and fragrant nose. Stick an Italian label in a shiny old violin and it'll project to the back of any concert hall with the most resonant overtones... Dealers have been doing this for centuries, but the unfortunate reality is that most players are willing to believe them.
http://www.economist.com/node/21542380
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