Acoustic Intelligence Platform
From Wood Mystique
to Acoustic Science
Stop guessing wood performance by eye. Use quantitative acoustics to analyze density, speed of sound, and resonant properties in seconds.
Acoustic Intelligence Platform
Stop guessing wood performance by eye. Use quantitative acoustics to analyze density, speed of sound, and resonant properties in seconds.
Interact with our scientific models. Simulate resonant designs, synthesize real-time wood tap tones via your speakers, and deconstruct violin acoustic anatomy.
Physical indicators are the scientific compass for luthiers. Density (ρ) defines mass and inertia; soundboards need it low to optimize sensitivity, while backboards prefer it higher. Speed of sound (c) dictates how fast vibrations propagate through wood fibers. A higher radiation ratio (R) means the wood converts mechanical vibrations into audible sound waves more efficiently (yielding greater volume), while acoustic impedance (Z) controls wave resistance—low Z soundboards let energy in easily, while high Z backs reflect sound waves back.
With an exceptional radiation ratio of 14.21 m⁴/kg·s and extremely low impedance (2.05 MRayl), this wood is a premium choice for violin or classical guitar soundboards. It will yield rapid response, superb projection, and maximum acoustic volume.
What do these physical indicators mean? Learn the science behind master-grade acoustic materials.
The velocity of sound waves propagating along the wood grain. Faster speed yields immediate instrument response, brighter treble projection, and tells how aligned the micro-fibrils are.
Mass per unit volume. Soundboard tops need low density to minimize inertia and maximize vibration amplitude, while backboards need higher density to serve as hard reflecting shields.
A measure of the material's stiffness. Higher elasticity allows the soundboard to resist the immense structural tension of steel or gut strings without collapsing or warping over time.
Acoustic radiation efficiency. It gauges how easily the wood converts vibrational mechanical energy into audible sound waves. Premium soundboards seek the highest R possible.
The wood's resistance to sound waves. Soundboards need lower impedance to allow string vibrations to easily enter and excite the wood; backboards prefer higher impedance to reflect sound.
The inverse of internal damping. It determines how long a sound wave sustains in the material. A high Q factor means very little energy is lost as heat, producing a long, bell-like ring.
Our iOS mobile application brings scientific wood profiling straight to your workshop in three simple steps.
Hold the wood slab at its vibration nodes, tap it gently, and record the resonance using your iPhone's built-in microphone.
Our algorithms perform Fast Fourier Transforms to isolate the mode-5 resonance peak, computing raw physical parameters instantly.
Choose whether to publish structured measurements and create a QR code that opens the public record.
Use ToneWood to record, analyze, and organize your tonewood inventory.
Download for iOS