Spruce and maple are the primary tone woods used for making violins and the other bowed stringed instruments. Both woods are strong, yet flexible and are chosen for their superior tonal properties. Therefore, a student outfit for $100 will be constructed from the same type of wood as a very expensive Stradivarius. On occasion other woods such as poplar, pine, pear, and sycamore may be used for instrument making.

Spruce - The flexibility, the absence of excess resin, tonal characteristics, and widespread availability has established spruce as the most popular wood for the top plate. It is quarter sawn and positioned so that the grain runs vertically (see picture to right). The grain represents seasonal growth. The dark lines indicate fall and winter growth while the lighter lines represent spring and summer growth. The distance between grains or growth rings indicates the rate of tree growth. For example, slow growth exhibits tighter grain and leads to increased stability. This is preferred.


Maple - Maple can be quarter sawn or slab cut and is used for the back, ribs, neck and scroll. It is chosen for its density, flexibility, strength, and tonal characteristics. Flame, which is also termed figure, is visible in a quarter-sawn cut. As opposed to the vertical positioning of the grain, flame runs horizontally (see picture to right). It is a feature that is inconsistent throughout the tree, as it is the result of internal and external influences present or absent in the environment and within each individual tree. Flaming is often enhanced by varnishing techniques and provides much of the aesthetic beauty to an instrument.

The quality and treatment of the wood directly influences pricing. Wood that is considered ideal for instrument making comes from healthy old growth forests. European spruce and maple is generally preferred. Wood for fine instruments is chosen with great care to provide the best physical and tonal properties. Wood with tight grain as well and beautiful flaming is typically chosen for more expensive instruments. Wood for inexpensive instruments will be selected with less care.

The wood is air dried for as many as ten years or more in climate controlled conditions to season the wood. This process increases the stability of the wood and enhances its tonal properties. All fine instruments are made from wood that has been air-dried and therefore, have a superior tone. Makers may also use wood from old structures dating as far back as the 1700's. The drying process can be sped up by the use of a kiln. Kiln drying does diminish the tonal characteristics of the wood and therefore, is often used for inexpensive instruments. The aging process is an important step for all instruments regardless of price. An instrument that has not properly been seasoned is considered "green" wood and may split, distort, and will be tonally undesirable. Southwest Strings works diligently to ensure that all our instruments have been aged properly.