by Fernando Ruiz
Welcome to Part 2 of my article on wooden mouthpieces. To read Part 1, please click here.
The most common types of wood effective for making wooden mouthpieces for horn include:
Ebony
Ebony is one of the densest and hardest woods used in musical instrument construction. It is characterized by its deep black color and a fine yet almost porous texture. In terms of sound, ebony offers a slightly darker, rounder sound with excellent dynamic control. Furthermore, its density gives it impressive wear resistance, making it a durable choice, even for those who practice long hours.
Blackwood
Blackwood, also known as "African blackwood," is a wood widely used in wind instruments such as clarinets and oboes, and is now also found in mouthpieces. Its sound quality is clear and bright due to its hardness, but without losing warmth, making it a versatile choice. Its natural resistance to humidity and sudden temperature changes makes it a viable choice.
Madagascar
This wood is very distinctive, combining elegance and functionality. Its color varies from light to dark browns with distinctive grain, giving it a unique aesthetic. Acoustically, Madagascar provides a balanced sound with a tonal richness that many musicians describe as "warm yet resonant."
Redgum
Redgum wood, native to Australia, is known for its reddish hue and smooth texture. Aurally, it is one of the warmest woods, darker than ebony, which can complement softer styles or blend well with woodwind instruments.
Beech
Beech is a less dense wood than some of the previously mentioned woods, making it lighter. In terms of sound, it provides a darker sound than redgum due to its porousness, ideal for those seeking a more natural tone.
Olive
Olive is a wood of extraordinary beauty, with grain patterns ranging from clear lines to intricate shapes in golden and brown tones. In sonic terms, olive produces a neutral, vibrant sound, with warmth and a resonance that feels "alive." This is because the olive tree never dries out and constantly secretes its resin. (This can be bothersome while playing because it leaves a bitter taste, so it must be treated and varnished before use).
Rosewood
Known for its reddish color and dark grain, rosewood is a wood traditionally associated with high-end instrument making. It offers a full-bodied sound with balanced projection that can adapt to multiple contexts, even solo and orchestral playing.
Pau Ferro
Pau ferro, also known as "ironwood," is an option that combines strength and beauty. Its color varies from dark brown to reddish tones, with very defined grain. In terms of sound, it produces a more direct and robust tone, ideal for musicians seeking a sound with character.
These are just a few of the many woods I've tried with different rim, cup, grain, and other measurements/characteristics that influence mouthpieces. Today, we continue to search for woods that are compatible with varied musical environments, that are non-toxic, and which produce a unique sound and a comfortable playing feel. Some of the woods with which we are experimenting include bubinga, zebrawood, samanguila, exotic ebony, and snakewood, among others. Many of these woods come from sustainably managed sources. It's also worth noting that combinations of wood and metal can be made, bringing together the best of both materials, achieving impressive results. From dense, dark ebony to the warmth of olive or the depth of pau ferro, each wood has its own personality that is reflected in our music and in the exploration of new sounds. Although wooden mouthpieces offer numerous advantages, they also require additional care. For example, it is important to keep them away from sudden changes in temperature or humidity to prevent cracks. It is also advisable to clean them regularly and oil them with wood-specific oil to ensure longevity and optimum performance. Furthermore, not all woods are suitable for all musicians, so trying several options prior to choosing is essential. We invite all readers of this article to learn more about wooden mouthpieces by following us on social media or at our website.
