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Received this set of Purple Heart from a supplier. One side is cupped bad and kinda seems to not be booked matched. I could probably deal with it but the tap tones of each side are so different that I believe they are not even from the same log. I am new to instrument building and is this normal.

Stresses relieved during resawing will often present cupping, particularly the first and last slice.
As for book matching, Purple Heart oxidises quite rapidly to a brownish colour, all depending on exposure to air and possibly sunlight. So, not uncommon to see those differences. Flip the set over and compare the reverse sides.
Yes, I’d say this is an acceptable set. Store it for a few weeks before you use it, with stickers on all sides and some weight on top.
Pretty sure I know the identity of the seller — he’ll be good about a return, if that’s what you decide.


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What Tim said...

They look bookmatched to me, the lines seem to match. +1 to what Tim said.

The difference in tap tone is probably due to the curvature.

It's generally a good idea to sticker wood immediately upon opening from the mail, or at least keep both sides exposed to the air during the first half hour or so. Some pieces will cup regardless, but uneven acclimation does it reliably.

Hopefully it will flatten out with weight and time.

If you plan to thickness with hand planes, I hope you're good at sharpening Purpleheart is a hard, slick and chippy wood. Less-than-perfect blades will either slide helplessly over the surface, or rip and tear. It bends surprisingly easily considering its very high stiffness. When resin starts bubbling out the pores, it's hot enough.

Looks like nice wood. I would certainly use it. The first picture shows two matching beauty marks in the upper bout - it is pretty well book matched. I've built a few instruments with purple heart. It's a nice wood to work with.

most likley too wet talk to the supplier , I will agree that they are a nice set place them cup up and let them acclimate , check them daily and keep putting cup up till they settle
but it won't hurt to talk to the supplier he may have a dry set ready

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Thanks all. Luckily I do have a thickness sander.

Moisture was below 5%.

That set will be just fine. by the time it is planes down/ jointed and braced it will hold shape without issue.

The one process that may prove challenging is jointing, if you’re using a shooting board. Make sure the 2 edges of
The sides are clamped down together and the cupped one isn’t turning up on the end as you plane.
That will look great. I recognize that writing and
That supplier has always provided really nice wood for me:)


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I would use it no prob

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