Official Luthiers Forum!

I heard that one of the top tier classical/flamenco makers in the US is using titanium rod reinforcement in flamenco necks, much like routing a channel for and installing a graphite rod. Not a truss rod but a reinforcement. As I am progressing on #2 flamenco, I would appreciate any input. I was thinking of using graphite, but after hearing about this from an owner of said guitar, I thought about the strength-weight ratio of titanium and was intrigued. I would mention the makers name, but I don't think that would be PC. I know from reading many posts, some feel that a re-inforcement of any kind is not needed, but I like trying new things. That is what got me into luthery.

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John Nowicki

Standard modulus uni-directional carbon fiber is slightly stiffer than Titanium and about 1/3 as dense.
I'm sure Titanium would make a fine neck reinforcement. I'm also pretty sure also that the neck reinforcement is not where the magics at. It doesn't hurt though.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

I use a graphite inlay.
Much better priced then Titanium !

Mike

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Mike Collins

One of my students made himself adjustable titanium truss rods for a couple of classical/Flamenco guitars he built in the class. The adjustability was certainly a boon, and they don't seem to have added any more weight than a CF reinforcement would. Absent the adjustability feature, I can't see the point of using the more expensive material.

just my 2 cents, but titanium is a bit "ringy". It will introduce harmonics into the guitar that you might not want.

Arie,

I doubt that can be proven. I think the "Titanium" thing here is the same as everywhere else. Just because.

Dave

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God, Family, Carreer

I know I can hit it over 300 yards downwind with my titanium driver. On a good day.

It does have a carbon fiber shaft.

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The member formerly known as erikbojerik....