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I've read more than once that some folks believe bearclaw is can be a sign of greater stiffness. When I've read that, it has always been in reference to Sitka, in which bearclaw seems to be more common (generally) than in other species of spruce. But, the only Sitka tops I have with bearclaw seem to have slightly less than average cross-grain stiffness compared to other Sitka tops I've flexed.

I'm curious to know how my experience compares to that of others who have had the chance to compare examples of bearclaw Sitka tops to similar but non-clawed examples. Any thoughts? Has anyone seen a noticeable difference in stiffness and/or tone?

Just curious.

Charlie, my experience with bearclaw (Sitka primarily) is that it's all over the place.
Some of the floppier tops I've had come through our shop were bearclaw, and then some of the stiffest were as well. Makes generalizations difficult.
Tone wise I've always been happy with it.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

I've seen some pretty stiff bearclaw and some not so stiff....but that's been my experience with other types of wood as well. Personally, I don't think that bearclaw makes much, if any difference in stiffness. To me, it's more about the looks. Some like the way bearclaw looks and some don't. I like it.

I like the deviation from a plain top.
I like the looks....as I also like the streaky sinker tops too. I'm just a goon for figure/grain/color variation.

I put one on a classical last year (most say a NO NO) and loved it. Don't know how much better it would sound with a Spruce...or PO. I'll never know...but looks and sounds great.

I have a Bear claw coming as a replacement top this week. Can't wait to see her.
KB

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EXCELLENCE IN SCULPTURE, CARVING, LUTHIER, ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK AND DESIGN

http://www.kabart.com

I have never built anything with it, but I don't care for the looks of bear claw.
just me... just my two cents..
regards,
jack

Hey guys - thanks for the feedback. Sounds like my experience in not necessarily outside the norm. I have not built with bearclaw either, and am still not sure how I feel about the appearance. I've seen guitars with bearclaw tops that have looked magnificent, and others on which it looks out of place and almost gaudy. I think the ones I've actually liked best have been the subtle claw marks seen on some Euro spruce tops.

I just got some curly Cherry form the Zoot Man and I can't wait to put some Bear claw with it.

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Woody O'Keefe