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Saddle Slot in Ziricote Sapwood?
http://w-ww.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10123&t=35052
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Author:  sdsollod [ Sat Jan 21, 2012 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Saddle Slot in Ziricote Sapwood?

I have a nice ziricote bridge blank. It has some sapwood. When cutting the ziricote fingerboard I noticed that the sapwood appeared to be kinda soft compared to the part without sapwood. ...or am I mistaken? :?

I was wondering if the sapwood portion is too soft to locate the saddle slot. Should I avoid putting the saddle slot in the sapwood portion?

Any constructive comments are appreciated. [:Y:]

Author:  sdsollod [ Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Saddle Slot in Ziricote Sapwood?

Doesn't anybody know if sapwood is softer...? idunno Would it be a bad idea to put the saddle slot in ziricote sapwood?

Author:  Tony_in_NYC [ Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Saddle Slot in Ziricote Sapwood?

I don't know the answer, but I think you answered your own question. If the sapwood seemed softer when cutting, it probably is. If it seems too soft for the saddle slot, don't use it. If it seems like it is stable, use it. Sorry I can't offer you better advice based on my personal observations, I have not had this situation come up yet personally.

Author:  WindyCityBluesBox [ Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Saddle Slot in Ziricote Sapwood?

I also dont have much experience with sapwoods. I would say the best thing to do is to run some tests. My biggest worry about it would be the softer woods ability to carry vibrations from the bridge to the body of the guitar.

Author:  James Ringelspaugh [ Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Saddle Slot in Ziricote Sapwood?

By definition sapwood does not have the extractives that heartwood does. The extractives generally don't affect strength but - along with giving heartwood its distinctive color - they can affect hardness and dimensional stability. So as long as the difference in hardness wouldn't be a problem you'd probably be fine using it to hold a saddle.

Author:  alan stassforth [ Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Saddle Slot in Ziricote Sapwood?

Are you building an electric with a wood bridge?

Author:  Bobc [ Sun Jan 22, 2012 4:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Saddle Slot in Ziricote Sapwood?

Ziricote sapwood is not soft unless it is heavily spalted. If in doubt flood with thin CA after slotting.

Author:  VirgilGuitar [ Sun Jan 22, 2012 4:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Saddle Slot in Ziricote Sapwood?

Hehehe I was just getting ready to say to soak it in thin CA glue - that should stabilize it, but Bob beat me!

Author:  sdsollod [ Sun Jan 22, 2012 6:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Saddle Slot in Ziricote Sapwood?

Thanks for the replies... I think I'll put the sapwood at the other end - that is, toward the end wedge. That way I'll get to see the sapwood, but eliminate any doubt I may have about it's possible instability for the saddle slot...

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