CARBON FIBER
Carbon fibers consist almost exclusively of elemental carbon. The molecules are arranged in microcrystals that are aligned longitudinally to the fiber axis. This alignment makes the fibers stiffer than steel, although they have only a quarter to a fifth of the density. This makes these fibers particularly attractive for lightweight construction.
To take advantage of these properties, the fibers, each less than one-tenth the width of a human hair, must be contained in some kind of framework – in this case, a polymer matrix that holds the fibers in place.
A good carbon component contains more than 50% fibers.
daCarbo takes advantage of the freedom offered by the alignment of the carbon fibers and the composite construction in the construction of the instruments, not to save weight, but primarily to optimize the vibration of the instrument. It becomes possible to suppress those vibrations of the instrument wall that simply waste energy
Instrument makers, engineers, acoustic designers and musicians have collaborated intensively to minimize the loss of energy in the column of air where the sound is produced.
As a result, the instruments are remarkably easy to play in all registers while maintaining the highest sound quality. They allow excellent articulation and direct control. The musician can concentrate on the essentials.
INSTITUTE FOR MUSIC ACOUSTICS, VIENNA
The Institute for Musical Acoustics at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna supports daCarbo with detailed acoustic and vibration measurements on our prototypes. This enables a tailor-made design process for the instruments, taking into account sound and intonation.
Measurements on daCarbo instruments show that they have a higher energy output – meaning that the player needs less energy to produce the same sound and tires less quickly. This is exactly what musicians tell us when they test the instruments.
HANDWORK MEETS HIGH TECH
daCarbo has developed an injection technology for the production of complex tube shapes from carbon materials. With this technology, daCarbo produces components for wind instruments that feature perfect surface quality inside and outside the tubes. The process guarantees a durable, uncompromising finish that is much more accurate than could be achieved with traditional instrument-making techniques. Nevertheless, each instrument is meticulously handcrafted with love and care by our instrument makers.