STABILIZATION OF ACOUSTICAL PROPERTIES OF WOODEN MUSICAL-INSTRUMENTS BY ACETYLATION

Because variable humidity affects the acoustic properties of wood, man ufacturers of wood instruments must minimize dimensional changes cause d by the absorption of water. Acetylation reduces the moisture content of the cell wall, thereby increasing the stability of the acoustic an d dimensional properties of wood under conditions of changing humidity . The acetylation of wood slightly reduces sound velocity (by about 5% ) and also reduces sound absorption when compared to unreacted wood. H ence, acetylation does not change the acoustic converting efficiency.