THE MUSIC OF WOOD

Mariana Domnica STANCIU
Drd.Eng. - "Transilvania" University of Brasov - Faculty of Wood Industry
Address: B-dul Eroilor nr. 29, Brasov, Romania
Tel: +40 268 412921/int. 171. Fax: +40 268 472173.
E-mail: mariana.stanciu@unitbv.ro

Ioan CURTU
Prof.Dr.Eng. - "Transilvania" University of Brasov - Faculty of Wood Industry
Address: B-dul Eroilor nr. 29, Brasov, Romania
Tel: +40 268 412921/int. 171. Fax: +40 268 472173.
E-mail: curtui@unitbv.ro

Abstract:
The article focuses on the physical part of music, namely musical instruments, with reference to resonance wood. The paper is organized in two main units. The first part considers the dialectics of music versus human being development, with transcendental and immanent aspects of this art. It also overviews the types of materials used for instruments manufacturing. The second part brings into focus two aspects: the acoustic properties of the resonance wood and the quality requirements which must be satisfied from its growth to the finished products. In conclusion, we can say that, as shown by the diversity of wood, the nature holds the potential, from the aesthetic and acoustic point of view of. But the way it is available depends on the experience of luthiers and the talent of musicians. Knowing the acoustic qualities of wood (i.e. sound velocity in wood, specific acoustic impedance, acoustic damping, acoustic radiation, quality coefficient) in connection with the material properties (i.e. the strength of cyclic stresses, the longitudinal and transversal modulus of elasticity on three main section, the density, the moisture content of wood) makes it possible to manufacture quality musical instruments apt to satisfy artists' demands and expectations.

Key word: resonance wood, fundamental frequency, harmonics, acoustic quality, damping coefficient.