Handbook of Materials for String Musical Instruments

This book covers the materials science of wood and all the other materials used in the construction of string instruments of modern symphony orchestras - violins, violas, cellos and basses. Moreover it covers materials for classical guitars, harps, harpsichords and pianos. While some of the approaches discussed are traditional, most of them depend upon new scientific approaches to the study of the structure of materials, such as for example wood cell structure, which is visible only using modern high resolution microscopic techniques. Many examples of modern and classical instruments are examined, together with the relevance of classical techniques for the treatment of wood. Composite materials, especially designed for soundboards could be a good substitute for some traditional wood species. The body and soundboard of the instrument are of major importance for their acoustical properties, but the study also examines traditional and new wood species used for items such as bows, the instrument neck, string pegs, etc. Wood species' properties for musical instruments and growth origins of woods, used by great makers such as Antonio Stradivari, are examined and compared with more recently grown woods available to current makers. The role of varnish in the appearance and acoustics of the final instrument is also discussed, since it has often been proposed as a 'secret ingredient' used by great makers. Aspects related to strings are also discussed.§The book provides many illustrations of classical and contemporary instruments, and takes into consideration the conservation and restoration of old instruments and the physical results of these techniques. The author examines at all issues, including the current value of old instruments both for modern performances and as works of art of great monetary value.§The book is an important reference for researchers and graduate students working on materials for musical instruments, conservators of wood artifacts of historical value, modern string instrument makers and historians of musical instruments.§Musicians may also find some interesting revelations in some parts of this book.§Finally this book will also be of interest to those studying wood for a variety of other purposes, for its use in musical instruments uncovers many of its fundamental features.