Growing Region: Potentially anywhere Maple is
found.
Availability: Hard to find, especially as a quality workable board.
Weight/Hardness/Density: Varies depending on the extent of decomposition,
but it is less than "regular" Maple.
Cost: Varies, often two to three times the price of "regular"
Maple.
Timbre/Tonal Color: The Spalted Maple produced a drier sound than
our comparison "regular" Maple drum. Aside from that, the
character sound and tonality of the Spalted Maple was very similar
to our comparison drum.
Dynamic Range: Both drums responded equally to dynamics and "spoke
out" in the same way when played loud and hard.
Tonal Range: Slightly deeper than our "regular" Maple drum.
Tuning Range: Although close, the tuning of the Spalted Maple range
was smaller than the "regular" Maple. It didn't go as deep,
and didn't go quite as high.
Resonance/Decay: More focused with less over ring. Drier. Larger sweet
spot than the "regular" Maple.
Cross Stick: Tonally they were very similar, but the Spalted Maple
was cleaner and drier.
Volume: Equal to our comparison drum.
Sensitivity: Both drums had a similar response and sensitivity, as
well as the same "feel" when played at soft volumes as well
as at loud volumes.
Comments: Spalting occurs under the proper humidity and temperature
conditions, usually between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is,
in actuality, part of the decay process. A fungus must have entry
into the wood, such as through worm holes. Once inside, the active
fungus gives off a chemical that acts like a wall. This "wall"
keeps out bacteria and other fungi. Filaments within these walls
create a pigment, which are the black lines you see in the wood.
The kiln drying process stops the fungus and the decay process.
Spalting can occur in other species besides Maple, such as Hickory,
Poplar, and Walnut. Overall very similar to "regular"
Maple, but visually it is truly unique and naturally beautiful.
A real attention getter.
By Greg Gaylord & Robert Bowler "RB"
Photo credit Frankie Frost
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