A very simple criterion can be used to derive a crude index of merit for the top plate of a violin: seek the material that allows the loudest sound to be made from an instrument of more-or-less conventional design.

 

The plot of figure 25 summarizes data for Young’s modulus and density for ‘all’ materials.

 

There have also been experiments with treating wood to improve its properties, including reducing the density without compromising stiffness too much.

Finally, some mention must be made of varnish. Any influence of varnish on the vibration and sound of a violin can only come from modifying the effective material properties: mass, stiffness and damping.