The Process
- Processed in the US
- Heat and Water, no chemicals
- Species and application specific process protocols
- Start with kiln dried stock
- “Ambient” moisture content when kiln closes
- Vacuum removes oxygen
- Slow rise in temperature
- Begin to remove cell content (hemi cellulose)
- Achieve 0% moisture content in the wood
- Introduce steam cycles as we approach maximum temperature
- Polymerize / crystallize cell content into / onto cell wall
- Align lignin (long fiber)
- Reintroduce moisture
- Slow reduction in temperature
- “Ambient” moisture content when the kiln opens
Effect on the Material
- Lighter
- Stiffer (Increased Modulus of Elasticity)
- More stable
- Less expansion and contraction
- Hygroscopic content of cells has been reduced
- “Tempering” = reduction in internal stress = stable in milling
- Slow process does not create “case hardening”
- Some increase in surface hardness
- Some embrittlement (screw holding)
- Minimal reduction in shear strength (Decreased Modulus of Rupture)
- Deeper Color
- More definition in figure
Effect on the Tone
- Reminiscent of “aged” tonewood
- Improved “Young’s Modulus” = weight to stiffness ratio
- “Damping” cell content has become part of the cell wall
- Cell interior now has open space
- Easier acoustic resonance
- Faster attack transient
- Larger fundamental
- Bigger harmonic foot print
- Longer sustain
- Stronger definition of each note
- Exceptionally responsive to technique
- A sense of “clarity”, “openness”, “air”
Effect on the Builder
- Machines well
- Sands well
- Glues well
- Finishes well
- Easier engineering
- You can deploy figured necks – resonant and lively
- “ Dead Spots” are minimized
- Ship to areas with different humidity with less concern
- Your clients can tour / travel with less maintenance to their instruments.