Thermal modification of European beech at relatively mild temperatures for the use in electric bass guitars

Abstract

The possibility of the use of thermally modified European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in necks of electric bass guitars for the substitution of Hard maple (Acer saccharum) has been studied. The heat treatments were performed at relatively mild treatment temperatures of 140 and 160 °C for 12 h. The acoustic properties were determined by means of experimental modal analysis (EMA) and the mechanical properties by means of static and impact bending tests. The results show that both the acoustic and mechanical, static properties of beech improve significantly owing to thermal modification, being similar or better compared to Hard maple. The impact bending strengths decrease owing to thermal modification. Additional tests on complete necks of electric bass guitars by means of EMA and plucking tests on total instruments show that thermally treated beech at mild temperatures can substitute Hard maple for the use as neck material in electric bass guitars.