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I'm getting closer to starting a batch of guitars following John Bogdanovich' method, and want to try the laminated sides. I don't have a ready source of yellow cedar for the inside laminates like he uses, and am thinking about alternates. Other than using the same wood as used for the outside layer, what do you think are good general purpose choices?

Looking at Understanding Wood, it seems to me that good old Black Cherry has a response to humidity change across the grain that is closer to most denser hardwoods than the yellow cedar is. Do you think that QS Cherry would be a good bet for general application as the interior lamination? Others?

Understanding Wood doesn't give values for non-native species - I was thinking that Dalbergias probably have behavior in the neighborhood of their not-so-distant cousin, Black Locust? Do you have a source for shrinkage/expansion tables for non-native woods?

Thanks,

Jim

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

Try Spanish Cedar or Mahogany.

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tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

Thanks - I can get them pretty easily at a local supplier same place I'd get the cherry), just have to fish through the pile for QS stuff.

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

I usually use Honduras mahogany. It is readily available in 16" thick quartersawn veneers. It is one of the most stable woods.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.