Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi!

I just received a nice lumber of nicely figured Hard Curly Maple. about 7/8" x 6¾" x 49".

At one end, grain is almost quartersawn on both sides...from maybe 80 to 60 degrees, and in the center (a 2-3inch section), it more like 45 or less. Almost flat in the perfect center.
At the other end, it is a waved (2-3 waves) flatsawn.

What would you do to get necks from there? they're gonna be bass necks, so 32-34 inches long. I've few idea, would you give my your point of view?

1- Take the flat end, and make 2 solid flatsawn necks.
2- Take the flat end, turn it 90 degrees, and make 3 pieces neck, maybe with laminations (purpleheart, bloodwood, IWR, Ebony, don't know). To get it quartersawn.
3- Take the other end, cut off the center, and laminate the 2 almost-quartersawn sides, with an other hardwood lamination in center.

Thanks a lot!

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Francis Richer, Montréal
Les Guitares F&M Guitars

Hey,

I used to use neck material that had some run out for some of my earlier basses - but after dealing with it while wanted a very playable bass, I started using laminations - adding in some cases very small strips where needed in order to get quartersawn necks. It seems to be a lot easier to find perfectly flatsawn wood that can be turned in perfectly quartered necks with a little help.

Stephen

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www.ziegenfussguitars.com

Not sure what will work best for you, but would recommend a laminated/layered neck to anyone. I like the look and they are plenty strong.

-Matthew