Official Luthiers Forum!

Todd,

Thanks for the detailed info. I have had curly ash in my shop for years but was discouraged by my teacher many years ago from trying to build a guitar from Ash. I eventually went against his advice and used it as binding fingerboards and for a bevel on my first two guitars. Have not thought about using it since then until i saw your post. Attached are two guitars. Not the same as bending but at least its curly ash. On an unrelated note I also built a Sam maloof style rocking chair out of the same curly ash.

Mike

I always thought if you want happy ending you pay extra.

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"Preoccupation with an effect gives it power and enhances the error"
from "Your Owner's Manual" by Burt Hotchkiss.

I've built 5 nylon string guitars from Ash so far (local Green Ash) and I love it. It bends SO easy. Mine was air dried, I just wet it, wrapped it in foil for an hour or two, then bent it cold using only hand pressure, directly against my building mold. Let it. I clamped cauls across the grain to ensure flat drying, and left it alone. It kept its shape extremely well. I'd use it again no question.

And the guitars sound fine to my ear. Nobody who has played them, and that includes some good players, have ever made comment that they sound inferior due to the use of Ash.

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Expectation is the source of all misery; comparison the thief of joy.
http://redrivercanoe.ca/

I have built 4 steelstring guitars with Ash B&S and found it a pleasure to work with. Never had a problem bending it under 350 degrees. I love the crazy grain patterns and sound that ash produces.

Todd,

When you apply SS II do you soak the wood in it, or spray it on and let dry? I just got some, but
I haven't had a chance to use it yet.

TIA...

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Gene

Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason- Mark Twain