Comparison of poplar and maple for bowed string instrument construction: Textural and acoustic suitability

Abstract

The acoustic and physical properties of the materials used in string instrument making are among the primary factors that directly determine the sound quality of the instrument. This study aims to examine the suitability of poplar wood, alongside the traditionally preferred maple, for viola making. The research is particularly significant in determining whether poplar wood, due to its soft texture, can produce sound characteristics similar to the warm timbre associated with Baroque period string instruments. The study is experimental in nature and includes biological, anatomical, and acoustic comparisons. Two violas were constructed—one from maple and one from poplar. The cellular structures of the woods were examined using an electron microscope. Acoustic measurements within the frequency range of 0–600 Hz were conducted using a laboratory setup. A signal generator, loudspeaker, high-sensitivity microphone, and oscilloscope were used to record the frequency responses of both the wood samples and the completed instruments. The findings revealed that maple, due to its higher density, performs better in sound transmission, whereas poplar produces a softer and warmer timbre that supports an alto character. Expert evaluations also indicate that the poplar viola aligns more closely with Baroque sound aesthetics, while the maple viola reflects tonal characteristics of the Classical period. Consequently, the study demonstrates that poplar wood may serve as an alternative material for viola making when appropriate measurements and construction techniques are applied.

Keywords

• Comparative experimental study
• Maple wood
• Organology
• Poplar wood
• Viola making

References

1. Açın, C. (1994). Enstrüman bilimi (organoloji) (Instrument science: Organology). Yeni Doğan.
2. Açın, C. (1995). Türk ve Batı enstrümanlarının form ve akustik projeleri (Form and acoustic projects of Turkish and Western instruments). Emek.
3. Akman, Y., Ketenoğlu, O., Kurt, L., Güney, K., Hamzaoğlu, E., & Tuğ, N. (2007). Angiospermae. Palme.
4. Baktır, İ. (1991). Ağaçlar ve çalılar (Trees and shrubs). Akdeniz University.
5. Bozkurt, Y. A., & Erdin, N. (1997). Ağaç teknolojisi (Wood technology). İstanbul University.
6. Dinçel, K. (1977). Ağaç teknolojisi (Wood technology). Milli Eğitim.
7. Günal, N. (1979). Türkiye’de başlıca ağaç türlerinin coğrafi yayılışları, ekolojik ve floristik özellikleri (Geographical distribution, ecological and floristic characteristics of major tree species in Turkey). Çantay.
8. Güzey, Z. (2000). Antonio Stradivari’nin keman yapımcılığındaki aşamalar (The stages of violin making by

9. Antonio Stradivari). Master’s thesis. Istanbul Technical University. Istanbul, Türkiye.
10. Güzey, Z. (2014). Viyola yapımında kullanılan akçaağaç ve kavak ağacının karşılaştırılması / Comparison of maple and poplar tree used in viola construction. Doctoral dissertation. Haliç University. Istanbul, Türkiye.
11. Hammond, J. J., & Özden, F. (1966). Woodworking technology. Milli Eğitim.
12. Heron-Allen, E. (1984). Violin-making: As it was and is: Being a historical, theoretical, and practical treatise on the science and art of violin-making for the use of violin makers and players, amateur and professional. Echo Point Books & Media.
13. Kayacık, H. (1966). Orman ve park ağaçlarının özel sistematiği (Special systematics of forest and park trees). İstanbul University.
14. Mamıkoğlu, N. G. (2007). Türkiye’nin ağaçları ve çalıları (Trees and shrubs of Turkey). Doğuş Grubu İletişim.
15. Özden, F. (1966). Ağaç işleri teknolojisi (Woodworking technology). Milli Eğitim.
16. Özyurt, S. (1992). Bitki anatomisi II (Plant anatomy II). Erciyes University.
17. Sacconi, S. (1979). I segreti di Stradivari. Cremona.
18. Santaro, E. (1990). Violinari ’e violin. Cremona.
19. Yaygıngöl, H. S. (2009). Yaylı çalgı yapım teknolojisi I (String instrument making technology I). Anadolu University.
20. Yaygıngöl, H. S. (2010). Yaylı çalgı yapım teknolojisi III (String instrument making technology III). Anadolu University.
21. Web site Web 1. https://turkorganolojidergisi.com/index.php/tod