Official Luthiers Forum!

I have a Back and Side set of Brazilian Rosewood I got from a friend. The sides are already bent to a dreadnaught shape. I am considering re-bending the sides to a grand auditorium shape. Can this be done readily? Am I asking for trouble? Should I just go with the dread shape? Any tips for re-shaping the sides? ...BTW, it's flat sawn. (If this is not a good idea, I may just leave it for a future build...)

Just thought I'd get opinions...

Thanks,
Steve

_________________
Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

I have successfully rebent sides into different shapes. You ought to be ok.
That being said, on high value wood already in a useable shape, why temp fate?

You're probably right...

_________________
Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

I have never bent BRW so I don't know.

I have rebent sapele with no problem, byt when it comes to expensive wood I get nervous. I'd lean toward what MF said. But then, if you are good at bending maybe it would be worth a try.

So in summary, I suppose I am of little help.

_________________
Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

If it were my wood I wouldn't try it. Rebending can go easily or NOT.

yes it can be rebent , to help assure success use a steam iron and use the steam setting and start to "flatten the dred" then rebend in the bender , if you are hand bending don't flatten

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

I recent some very curly Black Acacia - Did as John suggested, used my Iron and steamed her down.

Glenn

Thanks for the replies guys. If I bend it from a dreadnaught shape to grand auditorium it doesn't seem it would be that much of a drastic difference... I may just put this one on the shelf for the time being. Once I finish my current build and post some photos, I'm thinking about my next build... Maybe a bubinga OM with venetian cutaway or a peruvian walnut grand auditorium with a florentine... so many choices... so little time...

_________________
Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

I wouldn't do it my self. I'm not the greatest on a hot pipe though. Every time I correct a bend I get flat spots that can be a real pain to get right. IF it was East Indian or something like that then maybe but not BW... at least from my experience and level of expertise.

Not being a big fan of Dreadnoughts, I would give it a try. SuperSoft II is your friend whenever facing a challenging bending job.
I am wondering why some folks recommend straightening the sides first.
If you're using a Fox bender, you'd have to clip the blanket package together well, to assure even heating, but I don't think it'd be a problem... Easy to say, since I've never (touch wood) had to do it.
I'd at least try a dry run before I straightened out the sides.
Just another two cents worth...