This research was carried out to investigate influences of hydrothermal modification on physical and mechanical properties of mulberry wood that is used for musical instruments in Iran. Samples of mulberry wood were cut into size of 20x20x360 mm and placed in a water filled stainless steel cylinder and treated at temperatures of 100, 120 and 140ºC for 1 and 5 hours. Treated samples were subjected to conditioning at the ambient relative humidity and temperature for 2 months and then physical and mechanical properties were measured. Water absorption and swelling, bending strength, modulus of elasticity and impact resistance of treated and untreated samples were measured. Results indicated that dimensional stability of hydrothermally treated wood was significantly higher than untreated samples. Bending strength values (MOR) in high temperatures were lower than untreated; but there was no significant reduction in low temperatures. Modulus of elasticity in hydrothermally treated samples was higher than control samples. Values of impact resistance of treated samples were significantly lower than control. According to the results, hydrothermal treatment of mulberry wood in low temperatures can control the dimensional changes in different climates without severe decrease in mechanical properties.

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