A lot of recorders have been made of pear wood over the years. Why pear wood? What’s so great about the material?
It’s a close-grained hardwood available to europeans.
Nothing. Presumably used for availability and price, but it’s basically a mass market, lower-end choice with pearwood and maple recorders typically impregnated with paraffin wax for preservation and stability where harder/denser woods don’t require this and are normally oiled instead.
Before the arrival of tropical hardwoods in Europe, fruitwood (usually pear) and boxwood were two of the densest close-grained woods available to Europeans. Thus, they were used to make recorders. Several hundred years later, the tradition continues, despite the availability of denser tropical hardwoods.
*And flutes, pipes, etc. At the time, there was no better wood available.
I would say availability. Especially as the flute/whistle is a folk instrument and in earlier times commoners would make use of the materials around them. And I dont think Pear was a particularly sacred tree (unlike Yew or Rowan)
Coincidence-
I’m having an all pear wood epinette des Vosges being made for me right now. I chose pear wood mostly because that’s the wood of the antique original museum instrument that my epinette is based on. Also for pear wood sentimental reasons. Should be finished in a few weeks. The color of pear wood is delightful as well. Can’t wait!
I had to look up “epinette des Vosges”. Never heard of one before.
Me too, and I’m glad I took the time too. It looks fantastic!