Traditional and new materials for the reeds of woodwind musical instruments

Cane (Arundo donax L.) is the traditional material for reeds of woodwind musical instruments of classical symphony orchestra—clarinet, saxophone, oboe and bassoon. Cane is a natural material, and its structure is influenced by the growth conditions of the plant or by fungal attacks. The mode of vibration of reeds is affected by the quality of cane. In this article, physical, acoustical and mechanical properties of this material are described. These properties are characterized by a large natural variability. The physical properties of special interest are the swelling and the shrinkage of cane and the density (specific gravity). Mechanical properties of interest for the behavior of cane during playing are the elastic constants—moduli of elasticity and the corresponding parameters of internal friction. Acoustical properties are expressed by the velocity of propagation of elastic waves. The aging of reeds is due to various factors, among them are the repeated wet–dry and dry–wet cycles and the “continuous” playing. These factors modify the structural response of cane and have an irreversible effect on the quality of reeds. Statistical correlations between the quality of reeds and the descriptors of musical sounds are discussed. New synthetic materials of the group of polypropylenes have been developed for reeds having a better long-term behavior.