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Just wanted to share this.
I've had this really nice set of Tazzie blackwood for a few years.
I pulled it out the other day to start building,
and uh-oh, there's a small knot with a nice long crack which has developed.
It is the back, because the seller thinned it to .115, and still needs a lot of sanding.
So, I'll use the top for the back, and get some spruce for the top.
Oh heck.

I can't see the crack in the picture. So it's probably quite small. And the knot looks quite small too. Based on your pictures, I'd go ahead and use it. Fix the crack with some CA (and potentially cleats to make you feel safer). I've seen (and made myself) many guitars with such knots on the sides and/or back.

_________________
Alain Moisan
Former full time builder of Acoustics, Classicals and Flamencos.
(Now building just for fun!)

I don't know, Alain.
The crack goes for about 8 inches.
Maybe I'll make a big uke or something out of it.

Almost looks close enough to an edge to make a smaller guitar...

That looks a lot like a fracture that happens when a tree is felled, rather than being caused by the knot. If the instrument is for you, you could wick in some CA or epoxy and still use it for the back. No, it won't be as good as if it were without issue, but it's still a nice looking piece of wood. I have some Brazilian with a couple cracks like that that I fully intend to use for myself some day, and it doesn't scare me.

_________________
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Only badly."

It is difficult to comment from what I can make of few photos on my computer, but keep it in mind Alan that if the repair was done properly with HHG or CA it would not only be all but invisible, chances are the crack will later have a brace or two glued in place to bridge it together.

Cheers

Kim

Is there a reason you cant joint it the other way, then the crack and knot will be outside the pattern.

I hear a Mandola comming your way !

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Thanks for the tips.
I've thought of all those ideas,
The crack wasn't there when I got the wood 4 years ago.
I decided to join the other edge,
which doesn't look as good to me.
I'll tip the tops of the plates in to get rid of that uneven sap.
Thanks, more than one head of cabbage is better than one.
Alan

+1 - CA is magic stuff if used properly. I've salvaged a number of cracked backs and sides, and used them anyway. With proper care in lining them up, they're invisible, and stabilized.