"It's not possible to copy Stradivarius violins exactly," Tinnsten said, "since wood is a living material with great natural variations. The results of new research indicate, however, that we will be able to overcome such difficulties with the aid of advanced computer support."

"Stradivarius violins were made of slow-growth spruce," Carlsson said. "Perhaps our research will help create a new instrument-making industry in northern Sweden."

The first phase of research involves making calculations based on the violin's top.

Antonius Stradivarius, who lived from 1644 to 1737 and built 1,100 instruments over the course of his lifetime, revolutionized the geometry and design of violins.

"His craftsmanship is still unexcelled," Tinnsten said. "Few after the death of Stradivarius have managed to produce anything that even approaches his best work."