STSM Scientific Report

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1 Thünen-Institut (HF) Leuschnerstraße 91d Hamburg Dr. David Mannes (COST-Manager) Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging Research with Neutrons and Muons WBBA/108 CH-5232 Villigen PSI Switzerland Institut für Holzforschung Volker Haag Wiss. Mitarbeiter Leuschnerstraße 91d Hamburg Fon Fax Ihr Zeichen/Ihre Nachricht vom: Unser Zeichen/Unsere Nachricht vom: Datum KO/000/ STSM Scientific Report COST Action FP1302, STSM Applicant: Mr. Volker Haag, Thuenen Institut of Wood Research Host: Dr. Jaume Ayats i Abeyà, Museu de la Música de Barcelona "Non-destructive wood identification of historical Instruments based on 3D-reflected-light microscopy" Purpose of the STSM: In the history of musical-instrument making, traditional instrument builders consider it a fact that certain wood species used for different individual components of the instrument produce a defined sound which can be related to specific structures of the applied wood. In this context, one can assume that there is a great interest from contemporary instrument builders to know which species of wood the old masters like Torres or Stradivarius used. The standard non-destructive method for wood identification is the macroscopic assessment of structural features. Regarding the results of a macroscopic identification, it should be evaluated as tentative; macroscopic observation (Figure 2/left) can refer only on a limited set of structural characters, as compared to the standard microscopic analysis (Figure 1/right). For identification of wood species in historical instruments, a microscopic examination is not possible due to the protection of the instruments, since no wood samples can be taken and prepared. In fact, in cases of closely related trade timbers, the use of macroscopic characters will finally end with a choice of several likely matches whose safe separation must be left to microscopic analysis. For official or judicable wood identification, microscopic analyses are routinely conducted. Using light microscopic techniques, up to 160 anatomical characters can be used which are internationally standardized according to the IAWA lists of Microscopic Features for Hardwood and Softwood Identification. The defined microscopic features describe the individual Das Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Ländliche Räume, Wald und Fischerei kurz: Thünen-Institut, besteht aus 14 Fachinstituten, die in den Bereichen Ökonomie, Ökologie und Technologie forschen und die Politik beraten. Präsident des Thünen-Instituts: Prof. Dr. Folkhard Isermeyer Leiter des Instituts für Holzforschung: Dr. Uwe Schmitt Sekretariat:

cell and tissue types: vessels, fibres, and parenchyma provide additional information about mineral inclusions as part of a wood anatomical fingerprint.

individual components. Figure 1: (left) Soundhole-Inlays on macroscopic level (red box shows Figure 2) of a historical guitar from Francisco Simplicio built in 1924.

This study aims at applying a state-of-the-art, non-destructive identification method with distinctly higher resolution than standard microscopic image analysis systems.

2 cell and tissue types: vessels, fibres, and parenchyma provide additional information about mineral inclusions as part of a wood anatomical fingerprint. The use of digital 3D reflected light microscopy allows the microscopic investigation of flat and uneven surfaces of solid wooden components down to the smallest marquetry work without damaging the individual components. Figure 1: (left) Soundhole-Inlays on macroscopic level (red box shows Figure 2) of a historical guitar from Francisco Simplicio built in (right) Soundhole-Inlays on microscopic level. This study aims at applying a state-of-the-art, non-destructive identification method with distinctly higher resolution than standard microscopic image analysis systems. Description of the work carried out during the STSM and description of the main results In the context of the STSM "Non-destructive wood identification of historical Instruments based on 3D-reflected-light microscopy", Mr. Volker Haag investigated eleven instruments of the Museu de la Música de Barcelona, on a macroscopic level by using non-destructive tools (different kinds of hand lenses etc.) as well as microscopic level using standard digitized image microscope analyses systems (Cell F, Olympus and KEYENCE VHX-5000/ Figure 3 ). For microscopic analyses close-up digital images were taken as well as relevant data of the investigated components. Images (Figure 4 and 5) and data (measurements etc.) were compared with information available from computer-assisted wood identification systems (Commercial timbers, macroholzdata and CITESwoodID). The microscopic features of the investigated components of the different instruments were compared with reference specimens (vouchered material) of the scientific wood collection (Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Hamburg, Germany). Figure 3: Microscopic investigation of a historical guitar with digitized image analysis system

3 Figure 4: Measurement of the average pit aperture size (vertical) from a vessel element in wood of the neck (historic guitar, IganzioFleta /MDMB 1408). Figure 5: Microscopic structure from the spruce soundboard of a historical guitar (IganzioFleta /MDMB 1408).

4 The results of the investigation provide detailed information on the applied wood species. In this context, a comprehensive report is currently in preparation containing the individual components of the instruments are listed and the processed woods are listed waith botanical and trade names. Extract from the report: Results of guitar no. 5 Guitarra - Francisco Simplicio. Barcelona/España 1913 (MDMB 1444/ Cherubito Patatolo, Miguel Ángel) 1. Sound Board The macroscopic structural features of the wood used for the sound board fully correspond to timbers Picea spp. = Fichte, spruce; pícea (trade name), family PINACEAE. 2. Neck and Headstock The macroscopic structural features of the neck and headstock fully correspond to timbers of the botanical family MELIACEAE. More specifically, the wood shows good agreement with timbers of the genus Swietenia = Mahogany, caoba (trade name).

5 3. Sides The macroscopic structural features of the wood used for the back and sides fully correspond to timbers More specifically, the wood used for this component shows good agreement with the individual species Dalbergia nigra (Brazilian rosewood, Jacarandá, Palo de rosa de Río). 4. Sides The macroscopic structural features of the wood used for the back and sides fully correspond to timbers Note: Further identification (species level) is not possible. 5. Finger Board The macroscopic structural features of the wood used for the fingerboard fully correspond to timbers Diospyros spp. = ebony; ébano (trade name), family EBENACEAE. 6. Head plate The macroscopic structural features of the wood used for the head plate fully correspond to timbers Diospyros spp. = ebony; ébano (trade name), family EBENACEAE. 7. Bridge The macroscopic structural features of the wood used for the bridge fully correspond to timbers of the botanical genus Note: Further identification (species level) is not possible.

6 Future collaboration with host institution Currently, there is no plan for future cooperation between the Museu de la Música and the Thuenen Institute of Wood Research. Expected publications/articles resulting or to result from the STSM Publication of the results in a peer-review journal is planned. The results of the STSM will be presented at the conference WoodMusICK 4th Annual Conference PRESERVATION OF WOODEN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ETHICS, PRACTICE AND ASSESSMENTat MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS MUSEUM (MIM), BRUSSELS, 5-7 OCTOBER Confirmation by the host institution of the successful execution of the STSM Will be given soon. With best regards Volker Haag Note: Many thanks for the amazing chance to investigate the instruments in this wonderful museum in Barcelona!

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