Yet those Italian ones are often used as a point of reference, point of standard, why?

Not all Strads are created equal, nor do sound the same in varied ways. One story about Jousha Bell's Strad:
https://csosoundsandstories.org/how-...o-joshua-bell/

There were many other string instrument makers from Cremona.
Guarneri played by Yehudi Menuhin is one of many examples.

For those interested:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA4...-ezOM_L6dpPMEQ

Documentary on this topic, within this documentary there is a comparison between modern/vintage violin.. which is preferred, watch to find out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNzRHuqvMxQ&t=56s


Bernice


Quote Originally Posted by Dan Fromm View Post
I don't think all judgments of musical instruments' quality are entirely subjective.

That said, some modern fiddles are at least as good as the best old Italian ones.