Boss

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is a precious and highly valued material in lutherie due to its exceptional density, rigidity, and acoustic quality. Primarily used for precision components such as pegs, nuts, and fingerboards of stringed instruments, Boxwood stands out for its unique characteristics, making it an excellent choice for luthiers and musicians seeking high-quality materials.

Physical Characteristics of Boxwood

• Density: Boxwood is a very dense and heavy wood (over 900 kg/m³), which makes it extremely resistant to wear and ideal for parts subjected to high friction.
• Rigidity: It exhibits high rigidity and resistance to bending, ensuring stability and precision in lutherie applications.
• Dimensional Stability: Thanks to its compact structure, Boxwood has high stability and does not easily deform with climatic variations.
• Porosity: It is a closed-pore wood, with an extremely smooth surface, perfect for high-precision finishes and polishes.
• Grain: Fine and regular, with a uniform texture that facilitates processing.
• Color: Boxwood has a hue that varies from light yellow to golden brown, often tending towards ivory over time.
• Figure: It presents a homogeneous and compact texture, free of knots, which makes it aesthetically valuable.

Acoustic Characteristics of Boxwood

• Timbre: It offers a clear and defined sound, with excellent response on high frequencies.
• Sustain: Medium-long, thanks to its high density which allows good sound propagation.
• Attack: Precise and immediate, ideal for components of stringed instruments that require fast response.
• Resonance: Moderate, with good transmission of vibrations.
• Vibration Absorption: Low, which helps maintain the brilliance of the sound without dampening the high frequencies.

Durability and Workability

• Durability: Extremely resistant to wear, impacts, and external agents, Boxwood is a long-lasting and reliable wood.
• Workability: Despite its hardness, it works well with sharp tools and allows for a very smooth finish, making it ideal for inlays and precision details.

Conclusion

Boxwood represents an excellent choice in lutherie for the realization of components that require high precision and resistance. Thanks to its extraordinary physical and acoustic properties, it is used in stringed instruments such as violins, guitars, and lutes to improve sound quality and ensure maximum reliability over time.

If you are a luthier or a musical instrument enthusiast, Boxwood is one of the best options to ensure high performance and excellent sound output.