TEHRAN -- Researchers at the University of Tehran have developed a low-cost and accessible method that can transform freshly cut walnut wood used in santur making into a material with acoustic and mechanical qualities comparable to valuable aged wood that has been stored for 50 to 100 years.
The technique, known as steam heat treatment, significantly narrows the difference in sound quality between santurs made with treated fresh wood and those crafted from naturally aged wood, offering a potential breakthrough for Iran’s traditional instrument-making industry.
The achievement by researchers at the Faculty of Natural Resources of the University of Tehran addresses a longstanding challenge in instrument craftsmanship: the decades-long waiting period required for wood to naturally age before it reaches the desired qualities for musical instruments.
By accelerating the preparation process, the technology could reduce production costs and make high-quality instruments more accessible to students, musicians and enthusiasts.
Kambiz Pourtahmasi, professor at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and supervisor of the research project, said the ultimate goal is to transfer the technology to instrument makers through knowledge-based companies, allowing producers to improve quality while reducing manufacturing time and costs.
He explained that instrument makers have traditionally considered older wood to be superior for musical instruments, both mechanically and acoustically. Wood that has been cut only one or two years earlier is generally regarded as unsuitable for producing high-quality instruments, while older wood commands higher prices due to its scarcity and long preparation period.
“The aim of this research was to create in freshly cut wood the characteristics of wood that has aged for 50 or 60 years, bringing the quality of new wood as close as possible to that of older materials,” Pourtahmasi said.
In the new process, walnut wood is treated using controlled heat and steam to improve its properties for instrument production. Researchers chose the method because it is relatively simple, widely available and can be applied by instrument makers without requiring expensive equipment.
Other approaches, including heat treatment systems, chemical treatments and water-based processes, have previously been explored to modify wood properties. Researchers say the steam heat method offers