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Holly wood tonal properties
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=28753
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Author:  jdgrahamwaldorf [ Tue Aug 24, 2010 12:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Holly wood tonal properties

I am new to instrument building and have a large stash of holly ready to be used. My question is does anyone know what the tonal qualities of holly are? Is it best suited for an acoustic guitar top or body; or maybe for a solid body? Maybe I am better off using the wood for flutes? If anyone has any personal experience with holly or can direct me to a reference source I would appriciate the help.

John Graham
Cabinet maker - wannabe luthier

Author:  Haans [ Tue Aug 24, 2010 12:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Holly wood tonal properties

Now, I think that would be a great experiment for back and sides! Got to be pretty quartered though...

Author:  Quine [ Tue Aug 24, 2010 12:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Holly wood tonal properties

You have holly big enough for an accoustic?? Wow...I've only seen smaller stock available.
It seems to bend OK....not the easiest wood I've tried. It also seems pretty hard and heavy.
I guess it would make a descent guitar back/sides.....sure would be white anyway.

Author:  DennisK [ Tue Aug 24, 2010 1:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Holly wood tonal properties

You could do 3 and 4 piece backs if you don't have any large enough for 2 piece. But 2 piece does exist: http://robinsoninlays.com/Lindisfarne/

Author:  WaddyThomson [ Tue Aug 24, 2010 1:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Holly wood tonal properties

Well, it would certainly make a white guitar!

Author:  Brock Poling [ Tue Aug 24, 2010 7:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Holly wood tonal properties

Todd Stock wrote:
Holly binding bends cold to ridiculously small radii. For Fox bending, biggest issue is mineral staining, so I use distilled water is white butcher paper or parchment.



Yeah, that has been my experience too. It bends GREAT!

Interestingly enough. Kevin Ryan built a guitar out of it (the one he worked with Larry Robinson on) and it has a mucho high price tag. It is pretty spectacular though.

If you want a white guitar I wouldn't hesitate to use it.

Author:  P@uL [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 12:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Holly wood tonal properties

Image

it makes for quite the canvas too. this was one David Freeman. I think a close friend of his did the artwork. cant remember the name

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