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Had a mishap bending curly maple. It’s a bit of a long shot, but I’m hoping to find a replacement set of sides that would complement the back pictured here.

Thanks,
George :-)

https://nwtimber.com/musical-billets/back-side-sets

You might try this place. I think they may be near you.

Vince From Pacific Coast Woods has Maple that looks sillier in curl and color.

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I'm guessing that's red (soft) maple and fully vertical grain too boot. E.g. since most suppliers carry big leaf you might have issues finding something that matches.

Yes, it’s been a bit of a challenge so far. Been looking casually off and on for a while. Thought I’d try a more concentrated effort before giving up completely.

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George :-)

What species? Minimum size?

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Pat

Hey there, Pat. Hope you’re doing well! Honestly, I can’t say what exact species I have here. (Checking my extensive imaginary notes …) I know that I bought the set from someone, somewhere, sometime ago.

Since ruining one of the ribs, I’ve just been eyeballing stuff called “maple” as I come across it, hoping for a good match. Maybe it’ll happen, maybe it won’t. The idea was/is to make an OM, so 34” x 5” x 1/8” would be good.

Best regards,

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George :-)

it might be "easier" to find the lumber then have it resawn into the sides...

http://www.mckinneyhardwoods.com/curlysoftmaple.html

I feel your pain George. I snapped a Cuban Mahogany side about 10 years ago. Still have the glued up back and one side. I'll either find a set of sides or use Honduran at some point if I can't find one or a set of Cuban sides.

Did you get any sides yet?

Mike collins

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Mike Collins

Exactly matching the back seems a fool’s errand. But is it necessary? I’ve seen plenty of guitars where the back isn’t the board as the sides.

One radical solution is using something like an African Blackwood for contrast. Also, you may find it easier to locate highly figured veneer and laminate some sides. Regardless, I think you are going to have to think out of the box. Who knows, you may end up with something you like even more than your original plan.


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No sides located yet. I appreciate all the replies! Alternative approaches abound and I may end up going that way in the end. For me, the hunt is half the fun, and I’m in no hurry.

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George :-)

How about a guitar with curly maple back, Cuban mahogany top, and one side of each

George, do you have a pic of the other side to see the full figure on the back? I may have a source for you.


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Ha! Don't think I haven't thought about my options. Could even be Pau Ferro sides with a Cuban back.

The front of the back.

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George :-)

Also, for further reference, this is the figure on the original ribs.

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George :-)

the "issue" I see with the situation is you have 3 things going on...basic color of the wood...the figuring and compared to the back set appears to be out of the same chunk of wood...the "killer" is being vertical grain and all those flecks of pinkish coloring caused by that and that totally changes the way the overall color is perceived...e.g. you really need a vertical grain piece of wood to match what you've got.

Yes, it was a nice set. Very disappointing to have cracked one of the ribs.

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George :-)

I had two sets of sides about like that but no back. First, I paired with very nice Birdseye maple.
Second with curly maple but not as tight.

Bought the board about 1994 with Jewlery boxes in mind. Every year I seem to add a little more to my stash. So, collecting.

Bob