Can You Guess the £200,000 Violin? A Blind Sound Test That Surprised Everyone

We spend our days surrounded by some of the finest violins in the world. From contemporary masterpieces to rare antiques worth hundreds of thousands. But how easy is it to hear that difference?

We decided to put that question to the test in a recent YouTube Short that turned into a bit of a guessing game. The premise was simple: three violins, three very different price points, one performance; and no clues about which was which.

The Blind Violin Sound Test

In the video, a violinist plays the same musical passage on three different instruments:

• One violin is valued at £9,000
• One is valued at £26,000
• And one is a rare antique worth around £200,000

We kept the identities secret and asked our viewers: Which one do you think is the most expensive? You can watch the video here and test yourself before reading on:

The Results: What Did People Think?

The feedback was overwhelming! Musicians, enthusiasts, and casual listeners all weighed in with their thoughts. Many commented on subtle nuances: projection, warmth, clarity, responsiveness. But interestingly, a clear majority of respondents singled out the third violin as the most impressive, claiming it had the richest tone and greatest projection. Most were convinced it had to be the £200,000 instrument.

The Reveal: Which Violin Was Which?

Here’s where things get interesting.

That third violin, the one so many people thought was the £200,000 antique?

It was actually the least expensive of the three. Priced at just £9,000, it’s one of our very own Atelier MyLuthier violins, designed and made in our North London workshop. Crafted for professional-level sound at an accessible price, it not only held its own but in the ears of many, was actually the uncontested best option.

What This Tells Us About Violins (and Our Ears)

We’re not suggesting that there’s no difference between a £9,000 violin and one worth £200,000. Factors like condition, provenance, craftsmanship and history all play a role in valuation.

But sound alone? That’s where things get complicated.

This little experiment shows just how subjective sound perception can be and how important it is to try instruments for yourself rather than relying on price tags or assumptions. It’s also a wonderful validation of our Atelier range: instruments made with care, intention, and sound as the top priority.

Try It for Yourself

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, we always encourage players to keep an open mind. If you're curious to experience our Atelier MyLuthier violins in person, you're always welcome to visit us at our London showroom and try them for yourself.

And if you haven’t already, give the video a watch and let us know in the comments if you were surprised by the result?

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