JAVS Fall 2022

Example 2b: Grain standing vertically on top.

There is also another variety that was used in Northern Italy. Commonly known as Field Maple (Acer Campestre), it is also known among violin makers as “oppio” and has been used in some instruments by Antonio Stradivari and his contemporaries. As to why a ‘curl’ or ‘flame’ figure happens in the wood of a maple or other hardwood trees is still unknown today. Some people believe it is a distortion due to higher content of sugars or other environmental differences. So far, none of the studies conducted have shown a direct correlation between certain factors like climate, soil condition, rate of growth, or geographical location to name a few. Within the maple species are many differences in density. For instrument making, the density should not be too hard, as in Rock maple for example. The American Western Big Leaf maple is a popular choice among makers in the US. In Europe the Alpine Maple originating from Germany, Italy, and Switzerland to the Balkan Countries like Bosnia is very much sought after. Chinese makers often use one of the many maple varieties known in China. Another choice for sides and backs for violas (and violins and cellos) is poplar or willow. They are lower density than maple and usually not as attractive, but offer very good sound properties, especially when making darker sounding violas. The lower density seems to “warm up” the tone. Willow and poplar are also lighter weight woods resulting in overall weight reduction of an instrument. In recent years I have experimented together with a German maker in commercially manufactured instruments utilizing poplar, pear, and ash wood—all wood species that are more readily available in Europe.

This is very important to ensure that the arch is properly supported as the arch needs to hold up the bridge under string tension. Unfortunately, not all wood on the market is split; often it is sawed in an effort to be more economic and produce less waste than splitting it, or to avoid flaws in the growth of a tree. Maple is often used from many different areas of the world now. During the classic Cremonese instrument making period Maple was mostly harvested in the Alpine region. Most instrumentalists probably know the look of the curly (flamed) maple backs, sides and scrolls of violas.

Example 3a: View from the top, Radial cut Maple

Example 4 a and b: Maple back and poplar back.

Example 3b: View from the side, Typical “roof top” radial cut Maple.

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Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 38, No. 2, Fall 2022