9 questions you should ask yourself,
if you want to find the right wood for your recorder:
Successfully finding a new recorder
- Sound quality
Which types of wood offer the best sound quality for your application? - Density and hardness
How do the density and hardness of the wood affect the tone and playability of the recorder? - Moisture resistance
Which woods are most resistant to moisture and prevent cracking or warping?
- Sustainability
Is the wood obtained from sustainable sources and therefore environmentally friendly? - Aesthetics
Which types of wood have the most beautiful grain and colour for your taste? - Cost
What are the costs for different types of wood and do they fit into your budget?
- Stability
How stable is the wood in the event of moisture and temperature fluctuations? - Weight
How heavy can the recorder be? The weight influences not only the sound but also the handling. - Care requirements
Are there specific care requirements for the favoured types of wood?
| Wood species | Origin | Botanical name | Weight (density) | Colour | Sound quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sycamore maple | Europe, North America | Acer pseudoplatanus | 0.56 - 0.65 g/cm³ | Light, cream-coloured to yellowish | Clear, brilliant |
| Cherry tree | Europe, North America, Asia | Prunus avium, Prunus serotina | 0.55 - 0.65 g/cm³ | Reddish to golden brown | Warm, harmonious, balanced |
| Pear tree | Europe, Asia | Pyrus communis | 0.65 - 0.75 g/cm³ | Reddish brown | Soft, warm, mild |
| Haldu | India, Southeast Asia | Adina cordifolia | 0.65 - 0.85 g/cm³ | Light yellow to orange-brown | Light, with medium volume |
| Plum wood | Europe, Asia | Prunus domestica | 0.75 - 0.85 g/cm³ | Reddish brown, purple | Warm, full, rich |
| Tulipwood | South America, India, Madagascar | Dalbergia spp. | 0.75 - 0.90 g/cm³ | Reddish brown to purple, striped | Warm, resonant, versatile |
| Castello boxwood | Central America, West Indies | Calycophyllum candidissimum | 0.75 - 1.1 g/cm³ | Light yellow to pale brown | Clear, strong |
| Bubinga | Central Africa | Guibourtia spp. | 0.85 - 0.95 g/cm³ | Reddish brown to purple | Strong, clear, excellent |
| Satinwood | South India, Sri Lanka, Caribbean | Chloroxylon swietenia, Zanthoxylum flavum | 0.85 - 1.0 g/cm³ | Golden yellow, satin-like reflections | Light, clear, supporting |
| Rosewood | South America, India | Dalbergia spp. | 0.85 - 1.0 g/cm³ | Red-brown to black-brown | Warm, resonant, clear |
| Olive wood | Mediterranean region | Olea europaea | 0.9 - 1.1 g/cm³ | Yellowish brown, with darker streaks | Voluminous, rich |
| European boxwood | Europe, Mediterranean region, West Asia | Buxus sempervirens | 0.9 - 1.1 g/cm³ | Light yellow to pale yellow | Clear, pure, powerful, excellent |
| Ebony | Africa, India, Sri Lanka | Diospyros spp. | 1.0 - 1.3 g/cm³ | Black with a fine texture | Clear, brilliant, strong |
| Grenadilla | Africa | Dalbergia melanoxylon | 1.2 - 1.3 g/cm³ | Dark black to anthracite | Very clear, strong, brilliant |