Mad Scientist Creates Franken-Strads
Biochemist Joseph Nagyvary of Texas A&M University used to study the origins of life. But for the past few decades, his basement laboratory has been turning out hand-made violins that many blindfolded experts prefer to the famed Stradivarius instruments.

Nagyvary recently conducted public tests in which violinist Dalibor Karvay played different instruments behind a screen, while judges tried to distinguish the authentic, 17th-century, $5 million Strad from one of Nagyvary's own chemically-treated creations (only $10,000-$15,000). According to the September 26, 2003 edition of the Chronicle of Higher Education, half of the listeners picked Nagyvary's instrument as the Strad, and another one-third couldn't tell them apart.

Nagyvary is retiring from his academic post this fall, turning all his attention to his longtime hobby and side-business, instrument making. But he has no delusions of grandeur: "I think the Stradivarius instruments are fabulous, and I wish I had one… I can't afford one."

Visit Prof. Joseph Nagyvary at his home page (note his violin research) or at his violin site

Read the Sept. 22, 2003 Texas A&M press release about the recent competition

Read an earlier (March 28, 2001) article from ABC News

Read more about Stradivari at the Encyclopedia Smithsonian

Explore the science of violins at Physics Web