Official Luthiers Forum!

I recently purchased 2 sets of Sitka Spruce wedges from a forum sponsor that is highly recommended. 1 set looked beautiful and the other was questionable. When I carved into the best looking set I carved into 2 knots at each end of the plate. I've sent an e mail to the supplier and have not received a reply from them. Is this something that goes with the territory and I just have to take my chances or should I expect the suppler to replace it? I really can't use this for the guitar I'm working on but may be able to use it in the future. There was no way they could have seen this prior to sending it so I don’t have any ill will towards them and will purchase from them again which is why I'm not naming them. Being new to this I wanted to get feedback from more experienced builders on if I should expect it to be replaced or just suck it up because things like this are going to happen. Thanks!

I have sold my share of red spruce wedges for archtop instruments, and I have always replaced those with hidden defects that are brought to my attention.
Some archtop makers are resigned to the fact that hidden defects are part of the cost of operation, but I know how disappointing it can be.
BTW, that is not a knot. Knots in spruce start in the center of the tree, and will always be visible on one edge of the blank.
The most common hidden defects are pitch pockets, followed by damaged cambium that the tree grew over.

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John

I've only had one instance similar to yours, where blemishes were revealed only after carving (Euro maple). One of the difficulties with carved instruments. They were from Stewmac & they happily exchanged them.
I think most wood tonewood suppliers want you to be happy with their product.

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Dave
Milton, ON

I've had defects show up when thicknessing a top. If it was not visible initially I don't hold it against the supplier and just accept it as my bad luck. I try to work around the defect or repurpose the wood for something it will work for.

It looks like a good canidate for a sunburst with a dark edge. I'd send you a new one if it was my business.

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Jason Moe
LaCrosse WI 54601

Corky I'm confident your OLF sponsor supplier will replace it. I would. Best bet is to make a phone call.

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Beautiful and unusual tone woods at a reasonable price.
http://www.rctonewoods.com/RCT_Store
The Zootman
1109 Military Rd.
Kenmore, NY 14217
(716) 874-1498

Thanks for the input and I've learned some new things. I should be able to use this top for another project with a different finish. It's a really nice piece other than the mis-colored spots. If I don't get a response to my e mail I'll try giving them a call. If they don't replace it maybe I can work something else out with them. This was in no way their fault and I'll make my next purchase from them and see how that goes.