This chapter explores wood as the primary material in the construction of musical instruments, emphasizing its enduring relevance through history. Wood’s distinct acoustic properties, workability, and aesthetic appeal have made it irreplaceable in various instruments for centuries. The chapter highlights wood’s orthotropic nature, which contributes to its superior acoustic qualities, and the versatility offered by different species of wood, enabling instrument makers to create specific tonal effects. The historical overview traces the evolution of wooden instruments, from the primitive tools of early civilizations to the intricate instruments of the Baroque and Classical periods. It discusses how luthiers like Antonio Stradivari revolutionized instrument making through innovative wood treatments and craftsmanship, further enhanced by environmental factors such as the Maunder Minimum, which influenced wood properties. The chapter also describes wood’s significance in global musical traditions, from the lutes of Central Asia and the barbat or oud in the Persian-Turk-Arab world to the stringed instruments of Africa and the Americas. Despite modern technological advancements, wood remains the preferred material for many acoustic instruments today, attesting to its unmatched acoustic and aesthetic value. The chapter concludes by recognizing wood’s continued relevance in modern music, while exploring the potential for alternative materials in the future.