Violin Forum/Message Board

Dave Chandler · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2014 6:45 pm Post subject: Tonewood

Has anyone thought about using bamboo as a tonewood? Its very light, very stiff, and has great tap tones. Just thinking......
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Dave in the Blue Ridge
Southern Violin Association

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to the next with no loss of enthusiasm" Winston Churchill

"I took the road less travelled, and now I don't know where I am." Marco Polo

kjb · Super Member Joined: 06 Feb 2013 Posts: 385

i didn[t think you could get it in the dimensions that are needed without a lot of plywood work.

Mat Roop · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2014 10:51 pm Post subject:

Bamboo is used for floor boards,... here is a link to how the boards are made.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu5QRDNLeYw
I suppose these boards could be carved into a violin, but who knows the tonal result.... and would the adhesives hold up under violin tension.

here is a link to bamboo guitar info...
http://blog.greenearthbamboo.com/20100416/bamboo-the-environment/green-revolution-bamboo-instruments-making-sweet-music/
... You be the first to make a bamboo violin Dave... you'll become famous like Andrea Amati!
Cheers, Mat

kubasa · Member Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 212

Yes, I read about someone who was experimenting with bamboo. The problem is that I have no idea where I read it. I know it was on a trip to Canada visiting family. I'll see if I can find anything or try to remember which newspaper I was reading.

James

kubasa · Member Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 212

Hi Dave,

I found the article in the Edmonton Journal BUT it was not for bamboo - it was for balsa! Starting with a "b" threw me off. Sorry...

James

Dave Chandler · Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2014 6:28 pm Post subject: bamboo

Yes, i'm familiar with the balsa violin experiments. There is a bamboo that is about 6-8" in diameter, might be usable, but haven't found a source for just a small project. Hate to use commercially laminated plywood. Its more a curiosity if anyone has tried it, I'm curious.
_________________
Dave in the Blue Ridge
Southern Violin Association

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to the next with no loss of enthusiasm" Winston Churchill

"I took the road less travelled, and now I don't know where I am." Marco Polo