Official Luthiers Forum!

So now that the side bender is done I am ready to start building. I am planning a SJ and need some advice on what type of wood to use for the back/sides and top.

Thanks!

_________________
Brad
Avon, OH

I agree with Hesh.

Indian Rosewood is a favorite of mine as well.

Hesh, did you mean black walnut or claro walnut or english walnut?   

I really like that claro walnut 2.

I recommend starting with Ziricote. It's sort of like going to prison, and finding the toughest guy and punching him in the nose!

OK, seriously, you might take a look at Allied Lutherie's "opportunity grade" E. I. Rosewood, that is surprisingly better than its low price.

Put your money in the top, if you are confident that you can build your first one as a "keeper." But, don't buy "master grade" as it is only (typically) cosmetically superior to the next couple of grades down.

Dennis

_________________
Dennis Leahy
Duluth, MN, USA
7th Sense Multimedia

bear in mind that different companies have different grading systems.

I got 4 sets of AA spruce from Stewmac.

one was all curly
two were fairly straight with slight colour variation
one was perfect, no curls, no grain variation, just loads of perfectly paralel grain lines.

for a first build I'd suggest a cheap grade, and buy two...... just in case!!!!!

_________________
My soundclick xx luthier blog xx luthier soundclick

I am nearly finished with #2 and in the middle of #3. For a first attempt, I would recommend either an opportunity grade EI rosewood or honduran mahagony for the B+S. Both woods are a bit easier than most when it comes to bending. They are also very nice to work with when it comes to scraping, sanding, etc.

For the top and braces, try out some of the Lutz spruce from Shane at High Mountain. Its nice and stiff, easy to work and makes a really pretty soundboard.

_________________
53% of all statistics are made up on the spot
http://driftwoodguitars.blogspot.com/