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I have two orphan pieces of well-quartered Port Orford cedar. I bought 3 tops and the seller threw these orphans in there. I have traded the matched sets to a local luthier for some service. Now what to do with these two pieces?

One measures 26" x 8.25" x .25", the other 24" x 8.25 x .11 to.25 (nice resawing, eh?)

Could these be uke tops? They have great tap tone.

Help an ignorant non-luthier through his Port Orford crisis...

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Mmmm....wood.

Yep, I'd do uke tops or Howard Klepper style two-tone tops. Maybe with western red cedar just because it's funny to have two cedars that are not directly related and neither a real cedar Spruce would probably be too close in color and just look like something's wrong with it. I wonder if a half mahogany top would create an interesting sound?

Another option would be to use them together as the inside layer of a double top.

Pixie dulcimer top and bottom plates...

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"It's a Tone Faerie thing"
"Da goal is to sharpen ur wit as well as ye Sgian Dubh"
"Sippin Loch Dhu @Black lake" ,Kirby O...

If they have similar color and grain you could use them as a non book matched top. Most people won't notice, and some people won't care. If you do a painted top or a heavy sunburst only your hairdresser will know. A cutaway or asymmetrical design can also obscure the fact that it isn't book matched.

I'd say use it for bridge plate (classical), soundhole plate, and other smal braces... This stuff is really stiff for his weight, and smells sweet!

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Francis Richer, Montréal
Les Guitares F&M Guitars