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Tone by Density
Stronger Tone (70-79 pcf)
The bones on this page produce Stronger tones.
Density tells you how heavy and compact one substance is from another. As a rule, the denser the material, the stronger the tone. Density is calculated by dividing how much by how big. It is represented here as pcf (pounds per cubic foot). So if you want strong tones, then get dense bones. If you want mild tones, then get less dense bones.
Get the Tone You Want
What is the difference between a mild tone and a strong tone? It's just the difference in tone relative to density. Scroll down to view musical bones grouped by similar tone quality.
Tone Variables
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Higher moister content produces lower tone. Lower moister content produces higher tone.
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Smooth textured bones produce sharper tone. Rough textured bones produce duller tone.
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Wide bones produce a greater tonal range than narrow bones composed of the same material.
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Thick bones produce lower tones than thin bones composed of the same material.
Tips
Choose less dense (i.e. lighter) bones when you want mild tones that won't overpower other instruments. Choose denser (i.e. heavier) bones when you want strong powerful tones that can hold their own against the roar of the band. Denser bones carry additional mass. This can provide the kinetic energy you need to make a pair of bones rattle easier.
Geeky Facts
Specific gravity is also called relative density. In French, density is "masse volumique." Specific gravity is "densite."
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Density Guide
pcf (pounds per cubic foot)
Figures are approximate (but pretty darn close)
Tone Quality/Density
Density/Substance
23 Western Cedar
26 Cedar
29 Primavera
30 Pine, Poplar
36 Cherry
36 Mahogany
40 Teak, Walnut
41 Lacewood
42 Bamboo
45 Maple
46 Tanoak
47 Peroba Rosa
48 Padauk, Shedua, Vermillion
50 Canary Wood
51 Hickory
52 Purpleheart
53 Oak, Zebrawood
55 Osage Orange, Wenge
56 Bocote, Jatoba, Ziricote
57 Michigan Ironwood (est), English Boxwood
58 Bubinga
60 Rosewood, Tulipwood
62 Mexican Kingwood (est)
63 Chemchem, Goncalo Alves
64 Satinwood
65 Ebony
66 Michigan Ironwood, Plastic polystyrene (est)
68 Cocobolo, Granadillo
78 Blackwood, Verawood
79 Lignum Vitae
200 Slate (est)
250 Aluminum (est)
275 Brass (est)
300 Copper (est)
400 Steel (est)
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