Six Potential Woods for Bows of Stringed Instruments: Organoleptic Properties, Machining and Commercial Availability

Abstract

In this paper it was investigated the organoleptic properties and machining of six potential woods for bows of stringed instruments and compared the results with those mentioned for the Caesalpinia echinata wood, the reference for modern bows. Thirty wood stores were visited in different cities of the São Paulo state to verify the commercial availability of these woods. We concluded that despite the traditionalism of the red tones in the woods for bows, woods with yellowish tones such as Handroanthus spp. and Dipteryx spp. or brownish such as Diplotropis spp. with appropriate properties, may offer alternative colors and textures to the musicians. It was observed that the Mezilaurus itauba and Astronium lecointei, woods with easy machining, have no potential suitable for bows. Regarding to availability, all woods tested are relatively easy to find nowadays in the wood market. Handroanthus spp. and Dipteryx spp. showed greater potential for making bows for professional musicians. The woods of Mezilaurus itauba and Astronium lecointei did not show good potential for bows