Suitability of acetylated woods for clarinet reed Eiichi Obataya

Abstract

The density (ρ), dynamic Young's modulus (E), loss tangent (tanδL) in the longitudinal (L) direction, and the dynamic shear modulus (G), loss tangent (tanδS) in the LT or LR (T, tangential; R, radial) plane of woods and cane (Arundo donax L.) in air-dried and wet conditions were measured. The acoustic converting efficiency (ACE), expressed by √E/ρ3/tanδL, and the factors of anisotropy, expressed by E/G and tanδS/tanδL, of woods were compared with those of the canes. Low-density coniferous woods had higher ACE values and were of a more anisotropic nature than the cane. These woods seemed appropriate for clarinet reed owing to their homogeneous cellular structure. The stability in vibrational properties and the anticreep properties of the woods were enhanced by the acetylation treatment. Professional clarinet players suggested that acetylated Glehn's spruce and sitka spruce were suitable for clarinet reeds. © The Japan Wood Research Society 1999.