On Wednesday, February 16, 2005, at 12:46 AM, Chris Solliday wrote: > My opinion, of course humble, is that this > so called "original instrument" concept just creates a mythical market > for > the owners of some horrendous old dogs and unfortunately it obscures > and > reduces the opportunities to hear the rather charming performance > available > on reproductions, and not to mention reduces this important market. Well, it would not be difficult to draw a comparison to the violin market here, and the similar debate going on in that industry. Many argue, and their positions are supported by blind aural tests, that violins made today, including some of the better factory made instruments, actually rival the tone of Strads and Amatis of the 18th century (all of which were completely redesigned and refurbished during the 19th century). But the historical buffs can't afford to allow that argument to hold water, since of course, their financial investments in the older instruments would obviously suffer! It does indeed appear to exhibit evidence of a mythical market maintained purely for financial reasons. Jeff
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