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I'm thinking about using some gorgeous premium figure curly myrtle I have for a instrument I'm not planning to make a bending form for (because I'm not sure yet if I'm going to make many more of these). So, I'll be bending the sides by hand. I haven't yet worked with this wood. I also haven't done much bending by hand, although it has so far come pretty naturally to me. For example, I had very good success bending sides for a curly walnut guitar. The curl in this myrtle is much tighter, though, and I don't know how myrtle compares to walnut for bendability in general. I had also thought about using some curly koa on this project, but decided against it, based on what I've heard about that being especially tricky to bend. I've got some other nice woods that I know I could handle, so it might be wise to save the myrtle along with the koa for future use. But, I'm feeling really drawn to the myrtle...

Sorry for getting long-winded. What this boils down to is that I'm looking for some advice on how difficult curly myrtle is to bend by hand, compared to other woods. What has your experience been?

Thanks.

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Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/

In my experience, Myrtle is one fo the nicest bending woods. Should be a cinch...

Myrtle is wonderful to work with. If the curl is tight & deep (going through the sides at a steep angle) it's a good idea to use backing slats & go slow.GD Armstrong38879.0912037037

I just finished a guitar with a high figured myrtle and it bent like plastic!

If bending by hand use some backing slats, kkep it moist and take your time. Good luck

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Thanks, Mario, GD, and Peter for your replies. That's just what I needed to hear.

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Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/