Official Luthiers Forum!

Yup....here's ANOTHER discussion on neck woods. Everyone put down the switches and Capri Suns (I know they can be used for squirt guns).

Here's what I need help with. I am doing a run of necks using Padauk and I am looking for suggestions as to other woods to laminate in between the Padauk. Anything goes....well almost anything...I really tired of curly maple (not to mention that I don't have any). One of my ideas was to find some flat-sawn EIR or Honduran Rosewood and use that in thicknesses ranging anywhere from 80 thou on up to 200 thou.

I am really curious as to what the collective opinion spits out here. Please chime in.

Here's a photo of the end grain of one of the Padauk billets. The white line represents (not exactly though) where the billet will be split.

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

I forgot to mention...I am in the hunt for some flat sawn orphan something's of the rosewood variety if you've got em.

Thanks!

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

Chris, Shane of High Mountain has orphaned EIR sides.

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Aoibeann

Black (ebony) goes with everything!

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Jordan Aceto
Ithaca, NY

I hadn't thought of Ebony. Heavy stuff though. Macassar would be the better bet....but where to get it flatsawn?

Hmmmmm.....

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

Chris,

Eisenbrand hardwoods had a lot of macassar the last time I was there. They seem to like to do business mail order (which works for you), but they do seem a little suspicious of luthiers... http://www.eisenbran.com It can't hurt to ask what they have.

Best,

Flori

(snicker)....I'd be suspicious of me....and I'm only an aspiring luthier....



I'll check em out Flori...thanks a bunch

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

Anything you'd use for sides could be lammed for a neck.

I've used rosewoods, maple, walnut, cherry, mahogany and even oak.

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I've used ebony in two narrrow strips with a broader strip of mahogany in betwee, - very expensive, but I love how it planes and I liked the effect.

For a light highlight if that's what you like, I've heard of people using holly - whiter than maple. I haven't used it myself, though.

I like the look of a center strip that matches the back and sides.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

The local woodcraft here has some holly but they want the deed on the house for it. That's not going to happen. Soon as I get the money I'm going to get some orphans from Allied or Vikwood and Wallllllaaaaaa.....

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

You're right there Filippo!

Hey Chris...I was with the Zootman when you called yesterday and had some suggestions but you hung up before I could chime in. I personally like the contrast between curly maple and either EIR, Padauk, Bloodwood, Walnut or even Cherry. I also like the appearance of lines of .020" black fish paper occasionally. All are relatively easy to acquire and seem to work well. If you get tired of Maple then alternate the order of the laminate...sometimes I use Maple in the center and sometimes I use the colored wood in the center. The important thing is that you recognize the benefit of laminating. Just use your imagination...good luck!

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Chris, I'll give you this suggestion and then head for cover. I've heard a lot of people groan about using Wenge, but it has a couple of advantages. Under a finish it is jet black (looks just like ebony) and it's a fraction of the cost. Most people don't like it because it tears, it's brittle and splinters like crazy (not so great picking up splinters on a neck, right?) I would question that as much of a possibility, though. If you use small stripes .060 - .100" there really isn't much surface area there. Also, the shape of a neck doesn't lend itself to splinters lifting up.

Stuff looks great and is very stiff/strong. Ok, I'm gonna run now.