When I make strikers usually the weight of the striker determines the clearness and the raspyness.. but wood types do affect the sound. The three strikers I will carry this spring will be a lighter balanced purpleheart, a perfectly balanced colorwood, and an aluminum peg waterproof striker. But if I really wanted a clear yelp and a raspy yelp, I would carry a red cedar and a purpleheart. Just my two cents.