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Turning Music: Where Woodcraft Meets Sound
Woodturning is a centuries-old craft essential in the making of many traditional musical instruments. By shaping wood on a lathe, woodturners can produce precisely rounded and symmetrical components that are not only structurally integral but also contribute to an instrument’s aesthetic and acoustic qualities. One of the most striking examples of woodturning in instrument making is the crafting of the bagpipe’s drones and chanter.
Bagpipes, particularly the Great Highland variety, rely on wooden drones to maintain a constant harmonic background. These long, cylindrical parts are typically turned from dense hardwoods such as African blackwood, cocobolo, or rosewood. The turning process allows for exact control over the bore size and external profile, both of which are critical for tuning stability and tonal richness. The wood is carefully seasoned to prevent cracking, then mounted on a lathe and shaped with handheld tools while it spins. Decorative elements such as beads, coves, and ferrules are often incorporated, blending visual beauty with functional design.
Another example can be seen in the making of the baroque oboe. The body of the oboe is turned in sections, with each joint requiring precision to ensure airtight connections and proper alignment. Internal bore dimensions are adjusted incrementally during turning to refine tuning and responsiveness.
Beyond woodwind instruments, turned components are also found in string instruments. The tuning pegs of violins, cellos, and lutes are traditionally turned from ebony or rosewood, allowing fine control over string tension.
This week on the WWI – Professional pipemaker Martin Gallen shares his story