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Sapele necks?
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=47351		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  meddlingfool [ Wed Feb 24, 2016 5:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Sapele necks?
Have some off cuts that I could make a multi piece neck from. Seems both a touch heavy and splintery, but waste not want not, etc...anyone used it?
Author:  kencierp [ Wed Feb 24, 2016 6:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
Martin uses it for necks on some models.

LMII sells Sapele neck blanks
Author:  meddlingfool [ Wed Feb 24, 2016 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
Not necessarily a dealbreaker...;)
Author:  JSDenvir [ Wed Feb 24, 2016 6:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
Be careful. I've used ribbon sapele, and it's a PITA. The ribbon figure is caused by reversing grain, so it's difficult to shape the neck with cutting tools. If you're gluing up a blank, watch your grain orientation.

Steve
Author:  kencierp [ Wed Feb 24, 2016 7:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
Ditto --- Steve

I no longer purchase Sapele -- for all those reasons, plus I don't like the way it smells.
Author:  Michaeldc [ Wed Feb 24, 2016 7:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
I find it easy to work with and have never had a complaint about weight. It's also very easy to get well quartered stock. I love the stuff!
Author:  tysam [ Wed Feb 24, 2016 7:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
I've made 3 necks out of sapele, 1 scarf joined and 2 laminated and haven't had a problem.
Author:  jsmith [ Wed Feb 24, 2016 7:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
I've used it with very satisfactory results. I have found it more prone to tearout than Honduran, but as long as your tools are sharp, and you're careful, it shouldn't be a problem.
Author:  DannyV [ Wed Feb 24, 2016 7:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
More difficult to work than Honduras but far easier than Maple. The few I have done got a little lighter tuners. I don't really notice the extra weight. And more density = better sustain don't you know. ;)
Author:  bftobin [ Wed Feb 24, 2016 10:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
The best grades of Honduras Mahogany (pattern grade) and African are pretty poor these days compared to what was available in 1970's and 1980"s.
It's not worth the money. I've found a supplier of Sapele that sells 'Prime' grade at half the price. Beautiful 10'-12' lengths 1". 1.5" and 2" that are 6"-12"
wide. As for the extra weight, you can make a thinner neck and throw some carbon fiber in.
Yes, it does work differently, but Spanish Cedar does as well. We adjust technique for whatever wood we're working with.
I does make a very nice neck.

Brent
Author:  meddlingfool [ Wed Feb 24, 2016 11:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
Guess there's one easy way to find out...
Author:  kencierp [ Thu Feb 25, 2016 4:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
Here in MI we have several suppliers (LL Johnson, Public Lumber, General hardwood etc) that have wonderful premium Honduran Mahogany, African and Sapele They no longer call it pattern grade because few even know what that means. There does seems to be availability problems elsewhere caused by export laws and restrictions. However, at minimum purchase prices the Honduran is about $14 PBF and the other two about $7 PBF. But, as far as I can remember Genuine Mahogany has always been about twice as expensive. We have also purchased perfect Honduran blanks from LMII and Allied.

I bring this up to remind new makers that Honduran Mahogany is a pure joy to work and machine. In my opinion African (Khaya) and Sapele ( not a Mahogany) do not come close in that regard.
Author:  Bobc [ Thu Feb 25, 2016 4:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
Ken unless your an old timer like me. Took pattern making in high school. :)
Author:  kencierp [ Thu Feb 25, 2016 9:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
Quote:
Ken unless your an old timer like me. Took pattern making in high school.


Just my opinion, but I believe that it is a failure in the USA education system by dropping instead of revamping the domestic and industrial arts programs (shop and home economics) that were once offered by most secondary schools. I went to a college prep high school but those classes were still available and I did take advantage of some them.
Author:  James Ringelspaugh [ Thu Feb 25, 2016 11:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
It's definitely harder to work than Honduran, but no worse than denser Khaya IMO. Personally I love the smell of sapele.
Author:  kencierp [ Thu Feb 25, 2016 11:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
In spite of all my complaining, I do have to say that the appearance of some Sapele is certainly stunning.
Author:  meddlingfool [ Thu Feb 25, 2016 11:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
Well, getting any neck wood at all round here is getting very difficult. Lmi can't/won't ship hondo into Canada.
Author:  Bobc [ Thu Feb 25, 2016 12:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
kencierp wrote:
Quote:
Ken unless your an old timer like me. Took pattern making in high school.


Just my opinion, but I believe that it is a failure in the USA education system by dropping instead of revamping the domestic and industrial arts programs (shop and home economics) that were once offered by most secondary schools. I went to a college prep high school but those classes were still available and I did take advantage of some them.



Same here Ken. Trade skills are in high demand today.
[url]
kencierp wrote:
Quote:
Ken unless your an old timer like me. Took pattern making in high school.


Just my opinion, but I believe that it is a failure in the USA education system by dropping instead of revamping the domestic and industrial arts programs (shop and home economics) that were once offered by most secondary schools. I went to a college prep high school but those classes were still available and I did take advantage of some them.
Author:  kwerry [ Thu Feb 25, 2016 12:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
meddlingfool wrote:
Well, getting any neck wood at all round here is getting very difficult. Lmi can't/won't ship hondo into Canada.



True.. The last stuff I have gotten was from retiring folks but I also have gotten Spanish Cedar & HM from BowRiver Woods and HM from Canadian Luthier Supply but it is a bit spotty for availability.. I also use Nara for necks now and then and it seems OK.. I've tied Espave once.. not impressed.....

Kerry
Author:  Glen H [ Thu Feb 25, 2016 4:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
I quit looking at Honduran since the price went up and the quality went down. I only use Sapele for necks. I've forgotten any differences in working it.
Author:  Colin North [ Thu Feb 25, 2016 5:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
I remember Mario Proulx saying it made a fine neck on this forum.
Author:  phil [ Thu Feb 25, 2016 9:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
Ed, I'm with you on the frustration of prices / availability for mahoganyh here in Canada.

Also like you, I've been eyeing the sapele at the local shop and am pretty sure I'll give it a try. I like the look of a piece of mahogany pinched between pieces of cherry in a three piece neck. The sapele will be cheaper and the board will be cleaner. If I use a rasp instead of a shave I don't think the funky grain will make much difference.
Author:  DannyV [ Fri Feb 26, 2016 5:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
meddlingfool wrote:
Well, getting any neck wood at all round here is getting very difficult. Lmi can't/won't ship hondo into Canada.

I was just in PJ White yesterday. There was a 13' 2 x 8 1/2 of Hondo. Perfectly flat sawn. If it was a little shorter I would have bought it. Perfect for laminated necks. It's probably still sitting on the top of the pile.
Author:  meddlingfool [ Fri Feb 26, 2016 5:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
Danny, which pj white? Van or PW?
Author:  Rocky Road [ Fri Feb 26, 2016 8:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sapele necks?
Years ago I built several entrance doors of Honduran. All pattern grade material. Beautiful wood. The best " Honduran" lumber I can find now, and at nose bleed prices, doesn't come close. Pattern making, a lost and forgotten trade, unfortunately.


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