The Wood Behind the Music 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Musical Instruments Are Forest Products 

Many of us grew up playing an instrument in school, or we enjoy listening to our favorite songs, but have you ever stopped to think about the wood that makes those instruments sing? Every note, every beat, and every chord is shaped not just by the craftsmanship of the instrument but by the type of wood used to create it. 

For drummer Cody Britton, a long-time supporter of #forestproud, the connection between music and forests is deeply personal. Having spent years playing and appreciating the unique sounds of different woods, Cody knows firsthand that the wood used in musical instruments has its own story to tell. It’s a reminder that music, just like the forests, is alive with history, culture, and sound. 

Drumsets 

"Wood is more than just a material—it’s the heart of so many instruments," he says. Cody explains that drumsticks are made from sturdy woods like hickory, oak, and maple. Hickory is the most popular because of its flexibility and strength—it can handle the heavy impact of drumming without breaking. "It’s like the workhorse of the drum world," Cody says. His own drumsticks are made from hickory, and they’ve been with him through countless jam sessions. The history of drumsticks is rooted in forestry, and the woods chosen impact everything from the feel in your hands to the sound you hear on the drum. 

When it comes to drums, Cody’s set is a mix of different woods. "My drum kit is made of bubinga and birch," he shares. "Bubinga provides a rich, deep tone, while birch makes the sound more resonant and brighter." Drums are created by layering plies of wood; each layer adds to the character of the sound. Bubinga, a dense African wood, gives a lower, fuller sound, while birch lightens things up with its sharper, more vibrant tones. “It’s all about finding the right balance, just like finding harmony between the forest and the products it provides," Cody adds. 

Pianos 

His love for wood extends beyond just drums. He also appreciates how wood plays a role in pianos. Pianos are a symphony of woods, and their soundboard is typically crafted from spruce, known for its elasticity and resonance. Cody reflects, "The frame is usually made from hardwoods like mahogany or oak for strength, but it’s the spruce soundboard that really gives a piano its voice." He notes that each piece of wood contributes to the overall tone: fir for the keys, mahogany for the frame, and spruce for that distinctive piano sound. "Instruments are rarely made from just one type of wood—it’s the diversity that makes the music come alive." 

How Different Species Shape Sound 

The story of wood in music is all about tone. Each species has its own unique contribution. Cody’s own cherry snare drum, which has been passed down from his uncle, is a prime example of how wood affects tone. "It’s made from cherry and maple, and the sound is sharp, like an axe cutting into a log. It’s rich in mid-to-low tones but has a crack that stands out." The unique combination of cherry and maple produces a sound that’s both warm and punchy, a reminder of how every wood species brings something different to the table. 

But he knows that wood doesn’t just shape the sound; it impacts the durability and longevity of the instrument too. "Heavier, denser woods like oak and bubinga last longer, but your climate matters too. Humidity can warp wood, so keeping instruments in a controlled environment is key." Many musicians, including Cody, use dehumidifiers to maintain the ideal conditions for their instruments, ensuring that the wood doesn’t lose its quality over time. 

Why This Matters 

Having a passion for playing music connects Cody deeply to the #forestproud community. "Wood is such an integral part of the music we love, and it’s important to recognize that it comes from our forests," he says. By understanding the relationship between music and forestry, we can appreciate the value of sustainable forest management, ensuring that future generations of musicians will have the materials they need to create beautiful sounds. 

Thank A Forester 

Society of American Foresters’ #ThankAForester campaign is highlighting the many ways that foresters provide for us are not just with paper and timber, but with the raw materials that bring music to life. Many people don’t realize that the instruments they play are forest products. Whether it's the drumsticks in your hands or the piano keys under your fingers, wood from sustainable forests is what makes it possible to create music that lasts a lifetime. 

Next time you hear a drumbeat or a piano chord, remember that it’s more than just an instrument; it’s a testament to the forests and foresters that make it all possible. Through #forestproud, we honor those connections and continue to spread awareness about how our forests sustain not only the environment but also the arts.