[Ken McKay]

Well, I kinda agree with you there Ken. But a flat back is a viol and a roundback is violin. Each type has a characteristic timbre regardless of the shape of the instrument. Psychoacoustics and playing style also have an effect on the sound of a given instrument but the mental exercises transfer to reality. For example ask yourself what if this bass had that back or what if this roundback bass had a flat back? Armed with all of the available knowledge we have, as well as tradition and a good ear, the puzzle comes together.

In other words expected results are born from understanding.

Attached is Andrew Brown's double bass dissertation in pdf.