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| Soundboard for mahogany jumbo? http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=29163 |
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| Author: | Gtrman13 [ Tue Sep 21, 2010 12:27 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Soundboard for mahogany jumbo? |
I'm starting a new guitar soon, and I'm thinking of doing a jumbo model with honduran mahogany back and sides. I've never built a jumbo and haven't really logged much playing time on them, so its a bit tough for me to go about designing the sound that I want to come out of it. I want it to be warm and mellow with good clarity. Something good for fingerstyle. I'm thinking a nice set of curly redwood might be a cool choice. Any thoughts on this? And does anyone know a good source other than ebay? What other soundboard materials might you fine folks suggest? |
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| Author: | Joe Sustaire [ Tue Sep 21, 2010 1:01 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Soundboard for mahogany jumbo? |
From what I hear curly redwood is probably not your best choice for this. Lots of short grain makes for an unstable top, especially on a jumbo size. Very dramatic looking top but those that use them often laminate them with thin spruce to give it some strength. I would suggest a plain redwood or cedar top if your wanting an alternative to spruce. Good luck, Joe |
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| Author: | ChuckG [ Tue Sep 21, 2010 4:40 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Soundboard for mahogany jumbo? |
One of the best sounding guitars I've built was a Mahogany Dreadnought with a Western Red Cedar top. It sounded as you describe, warm, mellow and clear as a bell. It was almost harp like (if that makes any sense). Good luck! Chuck |
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| Author: | Gtrman13 [ Wed Sep 22, 2010 4:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Soundboard for mahogany jumbo? |
Thanks for the replies. I think I may go with red cedar. I didn't realize there were such structural issues with curly redwood. So what would you laminate it with? Some kind of spruce? Seems like a laminate top isn't something you'd want on a custom guitar. Why would anyone use these? |
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| Author: | Mike Collins [ Wed Sep 22, 2010 4:44 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Soundboard for mahogany jumbo? |
Cedar is good! BUT-I nice lite,flexible Engelmann top is great ! Bracing & top thickness are so important! Listen to the guitar as you make it ! if it taps with a high tight note ;then you've over built it ! You want a nice deep tone with a bit of sustain! This works for me ! Not very scientific -just paying attention to the sound of the box as I make it ! Mike |
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