Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi, I guess you guys will probably get sick of all of my questions. I've done a search, but not really getting what I'm looking for.
As most of you are probably tired of reading by now, I'm gearing up for my first acoustic build. I think I have decided on Peruvian Walnut for back and sides. But the guitar I'm building(L-00) is traditionally built with Honduras Mahogany, iirc. I'm wondering for a first build if I should stick to the conventional tonewoods or not.
I will be bending on a hot pipe, and it will be the first time I've tried this. Of course, I'll bend a couple of practice sides first, but I'm just wondering whether the 'hog or the Peruvian walnut would bend easier. What I'm looking for is which of these two woods will be easiest to bend on a hot pipe and give me the best chance of success.
I know there are going to be a few experienced builders who are going to jump in with the "just do it", and "if you break a side that's just paying your dues" attitude. Please don't.
What is the use of this forum if an inexperienced builder cannot take advantage of the knowledge on this forum to help him avoid mistakes, especially on a first go around? I'm sure I'll make enough mistakes and jump through enough hoops on this build as it is.
I would like the best chance of success on my first go around the block. I will be moving into the different b/s woods as I continue to build.
Any help is much appreciated.

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Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

I haven't built with Peruvian, but if it's anything like black walnut (and is quartersawn and not figured), it should be as easy as it gets. Mahogany can actually be pretty tricky to bend because of the usually interlocked grain. Tries to ripple, and if you don't nip it in the bud by pressing it flat on the pipe with a wood block as you bend, the ripples will just get deeper as you go (because only the peaks touch the pipe).

Another nice thing about walnut is that it doesn't show scorch marks as well

Dennis, thanks. This is the info I needed. The last thing I need is a huge struggle bending sides. I'm thinking start out with something simple, and work up to the more difficult woods as my experience grows.

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Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

I agree with Dennis that mahogany can be a challenge to bend. I've trashed a couple of sides by getting in a hurry and causing crimps, or ripples as Dennis puts it. I also feel that less moisture is better, but just take your time to find that right temp on your pipe where it bends without scorching too bad. I've only bent Claro walnut, but it was very cooperative, and made an outstanding guitar.


Ken Jones
Mountain Song Guitars

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Mountain Song Guitars www.mountainsongguitars.com

Ken, thanks!

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Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

Built my first acoustic with Peruvian walnut. Used a fox style bender, so I can't comment on using a pipe. I did, however bend the soundhole binding on my wife's curling iron. I'd say Peruvian walnut is a great tonewood for a first. Coincidentally, I built my second with Honduran mahogany. Definitely more difficult to bend. Great choce for a neck though. Good luck.

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sweat the small stuff.

Heath, thanks. And yeah, Honduras is my favorite neck wood.

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Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

Walnut, both domestic and Peruvian, has been easy for me to work in all aspects: bending, carving, scraping, sanding, filling, finishing. Mahogany has been cooperative as well, but I have had some of the rippling Dennis described. My experience is admittedly limited, but I think walnut is an excellent choice for a first effort at side bending.

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George :-)

Thanks, George. Peruvian it is! This thread just kind of confirms my first instinct. Now I've got to decide between Sitka and Engelmann for the top. I've owned guitars with both and liked both, but it's my understanding that Engelmann is substantially softer and more prone to dings and scratches, so I'm thinking Sitka might be the better part of valor. I doubt I'll get enough difference between the two tonewise on my first try for it to matter much.

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Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

I concur with others about mahogany and walnut. If using mahogany I suggest getting an extra set of sides just in case. Hibdon will sell an extra set of matching sides for around $25 or so. Mahogany is tricky as the wood properties vary widely. It might take a few tries to get the right amount of heat, moisture, and pressure. Use all the proper PPE when working walnut. The dust is toxic. You are correct about englemann. Breathe on it too heavily and it will dent. I suggest using sitka for your first build. It's very hard. Good luck!