Thread: wood for a Xylophone soundboard

I didnt think a Xylophone had a soundboard. I thought the bars were the source of the sound.

Ive heard of Purple Heart being used for bars. I think Silver Ash would work well and for the others the best way is to pick it up between thumb and forefinger and give it a rap with your knuckle. If you get a sound it should be OK. Lamination may or may not work, once again test it be tapping it.

Not sure about the sound board Ian but I know that you need to mount each bit of timber at the node on each end or you wont get a crisp sound.

regards

Wal

Thanks wal and Sebastian

Maybe I should have included a link to the kits Xylophone Kits - Lee Valley Tools

what I'm looking for is a suitable wood to attach the metal bars to
I'm thinking small feet to elevate the board 20mm or so above the surface, then something suitable to attach teh bars to

Ebony or at a a pinch Sollies Ebony. Acoustically it wont make any difference what timber you use. Go for some highly figured QLD Maple, Tassie Blackwood (ask Bob), Myrtle Burl, whatever.

Hi Ian,
As Sebastiaan says ask Bob, well I am Bob.
If you want to use some thing Special that stands out and figured with good colour.
Well here we go Timbers available.
High figured Blackwood Fiddleback and Quilted.
Compression Blackwood.
Myrtle in Quilted and high figured, Myrtle Burl.
Large amounts Huon Pine.
King Billy Pine.
Blackhearted Sassafras.
High Figured Ti Tree.
Red Hearted Leatherwood
Large & Small pieces available all Air dried. Just send me sizes required and I will see what I can do for you, photos will be sent if required.
Regards Bob.

Thanks Guys

Bob,
I'll be in touch once the kit arrives and I have a better idea of the zise.

They look like good ideas for presents Ian.

Any timber will do but those pretty ones mentioned above would make it look much better.

The good thing is that you only need small pieces of timber so you might be able to use some leftovers.

You could add a box under the plates if you wanted to. It should amplify the sound a little. Taper the depth of the box so the deeper part is under the lowest note.
Marimbas match the depth to the wavelength of each note.
The type of timber wont have any effect on the sound so use whatever suits your taste.