| The top of the instrument is responsible
for 75% of the quality of the sound. Spruce is evaluated for
selection based on the following four criterion:
1. SPLIT: If you can plane the wood in
both directions without tearing out, then the split is perfect.
The further away you get from a perfect split, the less likely it is
that a given piece should be considered for use.
2. SPACING: Nice spacing is on the order
of one grain line every 1 to 1.3mm. The more a piece of wood varies from this,
the less desirable it is. It is acceptable to have a progression
of grain spacing from narrow toward the center to more broadly spaced
toward the edge of the plate.
3. CONTRAST: The winter grain lines should
be SHARP-although, keep in mind that this contrast develops with age.
4. DENSITY: TMB likes a heavy, dense
top. They tend to equate with better sound (all else being
equal). Lighter wood (at least in terms of tops) is indicative of
softer, spongier wood, which generally, is not conducive to good sound
production.
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