Official Luthiers Forum!

Dear fellow builders,

Has anyone had any experience with using white ash for back and sides? I have a good backyard tree that I'd like to experiment with. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance!

Greg Hanson

I haven't built a guitar with Ash, though I have worked it, and I have seen guitars with Ash for back and sides.
The main reason to try it is because it is in your back yard. The tree is coming down anyway, right? I'd hate to see you cut down a perfectly healthy Ash just to get a set of back and sides.
You can always build guitars with conventional bought tonewood, here's your try at something different.

Drying is important, so I don't expect to see your guitar for quite some time, unless you've already cut it up. Try to quarter split the pieces, Ash splits readily as I remember.

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https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008907949110

If you can get quartersawn pieces out of it big enough to resaw for backs, I would go for it. Ash is a great wood, and IMHO a fine choice for guitars. I've made just one from it so far. I'm extremely happy with how it came out.

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Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/

Todd,
How about posting a picture of your ashen mando-uke with the beautiful red pore-filled finish.
Walter

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Walter Lay
"It's taken me so long, but now that I know
I can see. All that I do or say, is all I ever will be"
- Billy Joe Shaver

Sure, Walter. I'm on dial-up here at home, though, and trying to upload pics is an exercise in frustration. Next time I get a chance to take my laptop to a cafe or someplace, I'll do that.

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Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/