Analysis of vibration characteristics of Japanese cedar from Nara Prefecture for string instruments

抄録

We measured the vibration characteristics of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) from Nara Prefecture, which has a narrow, uniform, and straight wood grain that is a suitable appearance for violin tops. Then, we compared them with those of spruce (Picea spp.) to evaluate the potential utility of Nara cedar as an alternative to spruce for the sound boards of string instruments, including violin tops. The results of an evaluation with multiple indexes based on material density, specific dynamic modulus of elasticity, and loss tangent showed that Nara cedar has similar suitability to spruce species as sound boards. In addition, the results of an equivalence statistical test with index of vibration characteristics for Nara cedar and spruce also support this finding. As such, we were able to identify a possible native supply of wood with suitable characteristics for string instrument construction in Japan.