Is a Dense Wood important?
Naturally, some of the best woods are very dense, but let’s talk about some terms used by instrument makers. Dense means a high weight per unit volume: if two instruments have all the same dimensions, the one in the denser wood will weigh more. Hard means that it resists being dented or penetrated; the finish will last a long time. Abrasive means it wears out the tools. Free-Cutting means that it takes only a little force on the tool to cut the material, and the chips get out of the way easily. Stiff means that it takes a lot of force to flex it. Brittle means that a little flexing will break it. Porous means that air or moisture will penetrate it. Fine Grained means that the wood fibers are close together without open spaces (the finish can be made very smooth on the inside and on the outside of the instrument). If the cells in the wood are open, then an open space is likely to connect with others, cause leaks and hold moisture (in contrast, good material has Closed Cells). Stable mea
