Official Luthiers Forum!

Was wondering who on this forum has experience working with Imbuya. I acquired (as a test) a very old radically designed piece. I cut it yesterday and WOW ! What a nice look. The only thing I'm wondering about is the bending of the sides. Since the grain pattern is so radical...no real way to tell which way the grain runs..(however, it was flat sawn as almost all slabs in Brazil) what will be the drawbacks of bending the sides. The proneness to cracking, splitting..etc. I really think this would require steaming to soften the wood to reduce the risks. I think I can get one more set from the piece and will try today. And will post photos of the set I have. It's very unique. Also, I have access to much more of this same wood. Just don't know if there's a market for it. I would think there would be with the beauty of this wood but, the price is high due to the radical properties. It's very popular here for decorative pieces...but, the supply will get limited as it's no longer legal to harvest. So, if some have interest, I can get more if I don't wait too long. I'll post photos by tonight.

Jeff,
I have some 60 year old Imbuia boards from which I've cut quite a few sets. I've found this wood works, bends and glues easily inspite of the figuring. I know that its commonly called "Brazilian walnut" and as such works similarly to figured North American walnut.
I think it's a great wood for backs and sides and as more luthiers use it, I think it'll be the next new kid on the block.

Steve

Thanks Steve...here are a couple photos of the set I cut yesterday.

Brazilwood38585.5294560185

Beautiful wood Jeff. Steve is right on. Bends and works muck like american walnut.

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So far I like working with this wood. The resawing of this piece was very easy. However, I bought some other pieces that are IMPOSSIBLE. I lost one beautiful piece because the blade wanted to follow the speratic grain pattern. Just couldn't get it to follow the mark.

Anyone have photos of a guitar made with Imbuya ?