Why A/B listening works
People think they know what a good violin sounds like until they are forced to choose blind.
- removes brand bias
- forces attention to tone, not reputation
- mirrors how experts evaluate instruments
- builds immediate trust in your platform
Blind tests are also backed by research showing experts routinely misidentify famous violins when labels are removed:
How the test works
Each A/B test uses the same note, bowing, and recording setup. The listener is asked to choose by sound alone.
- Listen to two short clips.
- Pick the one that sounds better to you.
- We reveal what you just heard and why it matters.
A/B Test #1: Open String Clarity (Beginner vs Advanced)
Instructions: Listen to two short clips. They are the same note, same bowing, same recording setup.
Do not guess which is expensive. Choose the one that sounds better to you.
Question: Which violin sounds clearer and more stable?
Result: Clip B is from a higher-tier instrument.
Most listeners choose B due to:
- cleaner attack
- lower noise floor
- more stable sustain
A/B Test #2: Projection vs Loudness
Question: Which violin would carry better in a hall?
Choose before reading below.
Reveal explanation
Many listeners pick the louder clip, but projection is about harmonic balance, not volume. The violin with stronger mid-range energy tends to carry better at distance.
A/B Test #3: Same Player, Different Violins (The Eye-Opener)
Question: Is this a player difference or an instrument difference?
Reveal
Same player. Same room. Same mic. The difference you hear is almost entirely the instrument.
This test alone convinces many skeptical listeners.
Optional: Guess the Price
Highly engaging and easy to run as a quick poll.
Prompt: Guess the price range of each violin:
- Under $500
- $1,000 - $3,000
- $5,000+
- Not sure
Reveal ideas
Share the actual tier and how often listeners guess wrong.
What to do next
Standardized A/B tests make your sound-first approach feel fair, transparent, and immediately trustworthy.