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Tone by Hardness
Medium Tone (1500 - 1999 Janka)
The bones on this page produce Medium tones.
Hardness tells you how hard one substance is from another. The Janka hardness test measures the hardness of wood. (The Janka rating for non-wooden bones is estimated). If you want sharper tones, then get harder bones. If you want duller tones, then get softer bones.
Get the Tone You Want
What is the difference between a dull tone and a sharp tone? It's just the difference in tone relative to hardness. Scroll down to view musical bones grouped by similar tone quality.
What is the difference between hardness and density?
"Hardness refers to the pressure required to compress the material. Hardness is that property by which a body resists any foreign substance that attempts to force a passage between its particles. The hardness of a body depends on the degree of firmness with which its particles cohere. It is therefore entirely distinct from density, which depends on the number of particles in a given bulk. Thus lead is dense, but not hard."
George P. Quackenbos (1826-1881)
Tone Variables
- Higher moister content produces lower tone. Lower moister content produces higher tone.
- Smooth textured bones produce sharper tone. Rough textured bones produce duller tone.
- Wide bones produce a greater tonal range than narrow bones composed of the same material.
- Thick bones produce lower tones than thin bones composed of the same material.
Tips
Choose softer bones when you want dull tones that won't overpower other instruments. Choose harder bones when you want sharper tones that can stand out from the rest of the band.
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Hardness Guide
Janka
Figures are approximate (but pretty darn close)
Tone Quality/Janka
Janka/Substance
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