Wood Tone?

[GBCues]

I am learning that it is important to tone the woods that you choose for a cue, but I don't remember a thread dedicated to it. If my memory is faulty (imagine that) just point me to that thread.

But if you wouldn't mind sharing:

1) How do you "test" for tone?

and

2) What are you listening for?

Now I realize that wood tone and cue playability are experiential factors, meaning that you have to learn through experience what a certain tone is going to translate to in terms of the playability of a cue. But I don't know where to start.

Thanks for any help!!

Gary

 

[JoeyInCali]

1. Trade Secret
2. Will Make For Lights-out Hit tone.
:grin-square:

 

[hangemhigh]

This is why you need a river of wood, matching shafts tonally before the other requirements adds a dimension few can offer.

 

[SK Custom Cues]

It helps if you play the piano.

I am learning that it is important to tone the woods that you choose for a cue, but I don't remember a thread dedicated to it. If my memory is faulty (imagine that) just point me to that thread.

But if you wouldn't mind sharing:

1) How do you "test" for tone?

and

2) What are you listening for?

Now I realize that wood tone and cue playability are experiential factors, meaning that you have to learn through experience what a certain tone is going to translate to in terms of the playability of a cue. But I don't know where to start.

Thanks for any help!!

Gary

 

[rob@BPQ]

tone wood

i usually put the pipe down so i can really hear the wood

 

[scdiveteam]

Hi,

I like the tone of Gorilla Glue on a 29" maple dowel with any wood.

Rick

 

[desi2960]

learn for yourself

take 1/2 dozen 18 inch dowels of different woods, hold one lightly between your thumb and forefinger. take another piece of wood and hit the dowel on the end near the bottom. listen to the different tones of the different woods. the ones that have a near dead THUD will not make as good a cue as the ones that have more of a PING. that's just my opinion !!!! now try it with the same type wood and just listen to the difference in sound.
take a few shafts drop them on end from 12 inches or so onto a concrete floor, listen to the thud - ping sound made. imo ping is better.
i am sure the experts can give you many more technical answers, such as using a tuning fork, etc etc. but this works for me.

 

[GBCues]

take 1/2 dozen 18 inch dowels of different woods, hold one lightly between your thumb and forefinger. take another piece of wood and hit the dowel on the end near the bottom. listen to the different tones of the different woods. the ones that have a near dead THUD will not make as good a cue as the ones that have more of a PING. that's just my opinion !!!! now try it with the same type wood and just listen to the difference in sound.
take a few shafts drop them on end from 12 inches or so onto a concrete floor, listen to the thud - ping sound made. imo ping is better.
i am sure the experts can give you many more technical answers, such as using a tuning fork, etc etc. but this works for me.

Desi,

Thanks very much for the tip. I have to guess from the dearth of replies that I crossed the line with this topic - that's OK, I understand trade secrets. Can't expect the pros to give away the whole enchilada.

Gary