Classifying xylophone bar materials by perceptual, signal processing and wood anatomy analysis

Abstract

Several different areas of expertise are required to analyse the acoustic qualities of wood. The practical experience of musical instrument makers is extremely valuable, especially with respect to selecting the most suitable wood species for different applications. Knowledge on the mechanics and anatomy of wood is also essential to determine the factors underlying the acoustic qualities of woods. In addition, music synthesis research on psychoacoustic issues can highlight perceptual attributes that account for the acoustic qualities of different woods. The present study was focused on 58 tropical wood species used in xylophone-type percussion instruments. Each wood was classified by an xylophone maker and on the basis of an analysis of radiated sound signals and these separate classifications were compared with the aim of determining key signal parameters that have an impact on the acoustic quality of wood. Relationships between perceptual classifications, signal parameters and wood anatomical characteristics were analyzed. © INRA, EDP Sciences, 2006.