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When I was at Martin yesterday, I stopped at the Guitar Makers Connection and Picked up a set of reject EIR wood to make a guitar with. The sides are already thinned to Martin spec. (I measured them at 0.072"-0.075"). How long do I need to let them acclimate in my shop befor I can use them. I would assume not to long since, 1) they are already seasoned by Martin and were ready for thier use, and 2) they are thin pieces of wood so they should acclimate rather quickly. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Scott

I think 2-3 days should be sufficient, but if you can wait a few weeks why not?

They should equalize to your shop in a few hours. Wait a week at most. I think it was John Arnold who said keep flipping the piece of wood on your bench every hour until it stops cupping in one direction of the other. Then it is acclimated to your shop. Thin pieces like backs and sides etc, should be good in short order.

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PMoMC

Thanks guys, I did not think it would be that long they are so thin already. The wood is stacked on stickers with weight on it so that Air can get all around it yet.

The reason why I want to use it sooner rather than later is that I have so much darn wood that I've been collecting to build an acoustic guitar and I still have yet to even start one. I have some downtime around the holidays so I'm trying to make a commitment to myself to get one going.

You don't need to let the sides adjust to the RH of your shop. After all, you're going to wet and then cook them in the bending process. As far as the back material is concerned, it wouldn't hurt to let it sit for a week. The nice thing about EIR is that it's less prone to shrinking and expanding across the grain with humidity changes. (Don't ask me for documentation on that claim; can't remember where I read it.)

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michael propsom
www.propsomguitars.com

Good Point Michael. In my shop, the frame gets made in the non CC area. Blocks and linings and profiling. Basically, I get handed a frame in a mold ready for top and back joining.

That will take you more than long enough to let the back plates settle in, especially if you brace your top first....

Right On..........!!!
Tom

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