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Name this topwood!
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=26911		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  ChuckB [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 4:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Name this topwood!
This is an 0 size that I am getting ready to finish, see if you recognize the type of wood the top is. Colors are natural and very close to actual.

Chuck
Author:  Hesh [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 4:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Name this topwood!
No clue Chuck but I wanted to let you know that your guitar is looking great! [:Y:]
Author:  ChuckB [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 4:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Name this topwood!
Thanks Hesh. I'll give you a clue. It is from a coniferous (spelling?) tree.

Chuck
Author:  DennisK [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 4:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Name this topwood!
A very stripey Douglas?
Author:  Chrisk [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 5:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Name this topwood!
Tamarack? Hemlock?
Author:  Edward Taylor [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 5:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Name this topwood!
Pine?
Author:  ChuckB [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 5:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Name this topwood!
You got it Chris! Tamarack, also known as eastern larch. Although the trees bear needles and cones, they lose the needles like a deciduous tree. This tree came from my property, was over 30 inches in diameter, although I haven't heard of anyone using eastern larch as a soundboard, I thought I would give it a try. The wood is very stiff, but equally dense. I guess I'll know soon enough! Thanks for looking!

Chuck
Author:  Link Van Cleave [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 5:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Name this topwood!
aromatic cedar ?

Link
Author:  Bill Hodge [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 5:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Name this topwood!
Looks a little bit like Cypress to me!? idunno
Author:  Rick Davis [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 5:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Name this topwood!
Martin built some with larch/tamarack some years ago. I never played or heard one (that I know of!) and I think they stopped using it pretty quickly (I don't know why). It appears to have, on average, properties similar to the spruces but is denser, hence, heavier. Interesting experiment!
Author:  ChuckB [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 5:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Name this topwood!
Thanks Rick, I thought Martin built some with western larch? I am also not sure why they quit, but have heard that they sounded pretty good.

Chuck
Author:  Bill Hodge [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 6:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Name this topwood!
Comparing some pics I have of Larch and Cypress shows why I didn't consider Larch. As usual, pics are hard to judge by. I know one thing for sure it's a great looking guitar Chuck! :D

Larch
Attachment:
larch veneer 1c s25 q60 plh.jpg

Larch
Attachment:
larch 12 web.jpg


Cypress
Attachment:
cypress 13 web.jpg

Cypress
Attachment:
cypress 19 web.jpg
Author:  ChuckB [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 7:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Name this topwood!
Thanks Bill. You are correct, it is difficult, and perhaps a bit tricky to determine the type of wood by a photo. Looking at the photos you show, cypress would be an excellent choice. Thanks for playing along!

Chuck
Author:  Mark Groza [ Sat Apr 10, 2010 9:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Name this topwood!
Your guitar is looking nice Chuck. [:Y:] Is that oak you are useing for the back and sides?
Author:  ChuckB [ Sat Apr 10, 2010 7:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Name this topwood!
Good eye Mark! Yes it is qs white oak. I have built another white oak guitar and like the looks and sound. I posted more pics in the "whats going on in your shop" thread in case you are interested. Thanks for the kind words.

Chuck
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