While some posts have mentioned one wood against another, I don’t think I have seen this exact topic since the board started up, so I am asking about all woods at once.
Is there a wood for flutes that is very crack resistant, yet does not sacrafice (much of the) tone quality and volume? I am thinking of blackwood as the standard flute wood with reasonable crack resistance, but has a reputation for cracking in climates (like mine) that go from 80% humidity to 20% humidity.
I am hoping to hear opinions on any wood but woods that I am thinking of are as follows:
Cocus
Cocobolo
Ironwood
Red Lacewood
Rosewood (is any species different?)
Thanks
[ This Message was edited by: Mark_J on 2002-07-10 12:40 ]
The wood you are looking for is called “Delrin”. >
Loren
I’ve heard that the Delrin forests are associated with the Rhinoceros. These forests are rapidly being depleted and the Rhinoceros’ habitat is shrinking. I think it is totally unethical to have a wood flute made out of Delrin trees. Also, DuPont is liquidating their Seaford, Delaware Nylon Plant.
<<Is there a wood for flutes that is very crack resistant, yet does not sacrafice (much of the) tone quality and volume? I am thinking of blackwood as the standard flute wood with reasonable crack resistance, but has a reputation for cracking in climates (like mine) that go from 80% humidity to 20% humidity. >>
The tough thing about this question is that with the exception of blackwood, rosewood, and cocus, very few other wood types have been tested over a long term. So, it’s hard to say what woods are truly crack resistent.
Also consider this: How long a flute maker seasons his wood, as well as the humidity he/she seasons it to, can make a big difference. Add to this the climate the wood is coming from and going to…
Finally, if maximum crack resistance is one’s goal, then buying a flute with an Un-Lined headjoint would seem to make the most sense.
