Wood in detail
Making annual rings and grain structure visible
Good tonewood is judged not only by origin and drying, but also by its visible structure. Especially in spruce, ring pattern, consistency, direction and overall appearance play an important role in selection.
- Macro images make the structure of the wood directly visible.
- Annual rings help to understand growth and character more clearly.
- For instrument makers, calm grain, consistency and workability matter.
A closer look at annual rings
Click the markers in the image to explore individual aspects of the wood structure in more detail.
Note: Visible structure is an important part of evaluation, but it does not replace practical experience in instrument making.
Wood in detail
Comparing tonewood structures
Macro images make visible what instrument makers often look for in spruce and maple: annual rings, grain, direction and overall character.
Spruce
Annual rings in macro view
Calm and even annual ring structure as a typical detailed view of resonance spruce.
Maple
Flame figure
Fine flame figure and lively structure, often appreciated in maple for backs and ribs.
Spruce
End grain / growth
The concentric annual rings in the end grain help explain growth and ring pattern clearly.