ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES OF CANE (ARUNDO-DONAX L) USED FOR REEDS OF WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS .1. THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN VIBRATIONAL PROPERTIES AND MOISTURE CONTENTS OF CANE

The relationships between vibrational properties and moisture contents of cane (Arundo donax L.) used for the reeds of woodwind instruments were investigated and compared with those of spruce (Picea sitchensis Carr.). After the water extraction, the dynamic Young's modulus of can e decreased at below 15% moisture content (m.c.) and remained almost u nchanged above 15% m.c. At about 7% m.c., the loss tangent of cane had its maximum value, and that of spruce had its minimum value, which wa s a remarkable difference. After the water extraction, however, the mo isture content dependence of the loss tangent of cane resembled that o f wood. From these results, it was considered that the extractives exi sting in the cell walls of cane acted to reinforce the cell-wall struc ture at low moisture content levels. However, they absorbed much moist ure and dissolved at high moisture content levels, so that this effect was lost.