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Fabrication and Design of Wood-Based High-Performance Composites
Published on: November 9, 2019
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Wood used by Stradivari and Guarneri
Joseph Nagyvary1, Joseph A DiVerdi, Noel L Owen
1Department of Biochemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA. nagyvary@nagyvaryviolins.com
Nature
|December 1, 2006
Summary
Wood from antique violins by Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesu may have been chemically treated. This analysis using spectroscopy suggests a potential for chemistry-based approaches in modern violin making.
Area of Science:
- * Wood Science and Material Analysis
- * Musical Instrument Acoustics
- * Organic Chemistry
Background:
- * A long-standing debate exists regarding the use of chemical treatments on wood by historical Italian violin makers.
- * Potential benefits of such treatments include wood preservation and enhanced sound quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the presence of chemical treatments in wood from antique violins.
- * To analyze the organic matter within the wood samples.
Main Methods:
- * Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was employed to analyze organic compounds.
- * Infrared (IR) spectroscopy was used to examine the molecular structure of the wood samples.
- * Wood samples were sourced from antique instruments crafted by renowned violin makers Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesu.
Main Results:
- * Analysis revealed evidence consistent with chemical treatment of the wood.
- * The organic matter within the wood samples showed characteristics indicative of processing.
Conclusions:
- * The findings suggest that the wood used by Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesu may have undergone chemical treatment.
- * This historical practice could inform new, chemistry-based methodologies in contemporary violin construction.
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