Hi folks! Jack Peters wrote:

>I use concentrated nitric acid to brown out my boxwood
>naturals because it gives a gorgeous "antique" look which you
>find on "museum" instruments.

Some time ago I read in Early Music that boxwood was treated by
dumping it into the pit of privies(!) and left for a year or
so, before turning into flutes and recorders. And it is that
treatment that results in the beautiful color we see today! It
also apparently becomes more stable and less liable to crack.

I can't imagine that being done these days, even if one could
find an active privy!

Best!

Redstone

Peter Redstone,
Harpsichord & Fortepiano Maker,
P.O.Box 75, Claremont, VA 23899 USA
(757) 866 8477
http://www.redstoneharpsichords.com