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I have some cedar 6x6 leftover from a deck build and I’m thinking about making a guitar out of it. With 5.75” x 27” I think I can get a “O” size out of it but it will have to be a 3 piece top and back.
Any input wound be appreciated.

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Say what you do, Do what you say.

Go for it. I assume this is Western red?


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John

It will smell nice. It will dent and scratch easily (but don’t we all). Three piece is fine. The color will be lovely, especially with dark hardwood bindings (to protect the soft edges) - maybe rosewood?

Dave, I'm sure it will yield something great from you.

Do you plan on processing the whole board into billets for flattops? I ask because I'd love to have nice chunk to make a solid body just to see what happens.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

I made a nice sounding viola with a cedar decking top. Light, and surprisingly stiff with the grain, not so much crossgrain. It does chip easy, but since you won't have corners, and purfling grooves, it shouldn't be a problem. Watch the edges, especially top and bottom. The flat top will probably help a lot.

I have plans for a small Torres, Lacote, and Panormo guitars that would fit in 11.5 inches. A Stauffer would just about work. But then you have to make a new model, besides working with a different material. My new way of building doesn't need a form, so it isn't a problem. I never did use a form on guitars, but now I'm going to use the outline of the back and belly as the form. Cut them out, glue them on the blocks, and you have a form.

You could save a lot of wood by making it a 2 piece, and add 1" wings on the lower bout for a 0 size.

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Why be normal?

Chris, I have another 6 x 6 x 26 but I'm thinking shipping would make it cost prohibitive
Check with a local deck builder and tell them what you want. The guys that built my deck re-sawed it. I told them how I wanted it sawed asking for .125 plates they went as thin as they could go with their set-up. ended up with 16 plates.
Never know until you ask.

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Say what you do, Do what you say.

Thanks for the tip, Dave.
Would also love to find some nice Monterey Pine 2 X 6's or 2 X 8's (aka radiata). Makes a nice stiff and light solidbody.
No shipping needed, I'd just drive up for a visit.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince