Telecaster Guitar Forum - View Single Post - OK... so I promised... here ya are. . . .

Ronkirn · April 15th, 2008, 09:21 AM

Yep. . . Spruce is more costly than most choice lumbers you may choose. Finding a one piece of Sitka 13 inches wide is a problem, since Sitka used in musical instruments is only acceptable if it’s ¼ sawn. Itt would require a tree at least 3 feet in diameter and the outer rings would be considerably different from the inner rings, giving a inconsistant appearence, some don't mind, some do.. Also finding real Sitka can be problematic, since several other “Pines” are routinely substituted for aeronautical applications. Those suppliers have no concept of the importance of using the real deal in a musical instrument. To them a Spar or Rib, is a spar or a rib.

The tighter the rings, the better. . generally speaking.... if the rings are far apart, the softer wood in the light areas can dint quite easily due to the great variation in density between the light and dark rings, the dark rings are as hard as Maple, whereas the lighter areas can be as soft as Balsa. But the bottom line. . . one piece, 2 piece, don't mean diddly...

While I didn’t count the rings in the 8 inch wide section, I’m guessing they represent about a hundred and fifty years of growth. I have some 1400 year old Black Ash, with rings the same density, so I’m making an educated guess.

I’m gonna be tied up till Thursday, strange, some guys pay money and actually expect their guitar. So I reckin’ I’ll get ‘em done, before moving on to the next phase on Paul’s (gonna be a new member) Spruce Goose (but it won’t fly)

Ron Kirn

April 15th, 2008, 09:21 AM	#7 (permalink)
Ronkirn Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jacksonville, FL Age: 62 Posts: 2,682	Yep. . . Spruce is more costly than most choice lumbers you may choose. Finding a one piece of Sitka 13 inches wide is a problem, since Sitka used in musical instruments is only acceptable if it’s ¼ sawn. Itt would require a tree at least 3 feet in diameter and the outer rings would be considerably different from the inner rings, giving a inconsistant appearence, some don't mind, some do.. Also finding real Sitka can be problematic, since several other “Pines” are routinely substituted for aeronautical applications. Those suppliers have no concept of the importance of using the real deal in a musical instrument. To them a Spar or Rib, is a spar or a rib. The tighter the rings, the better. . generally speaking.... if the rings are far apart, the softer wood in the light areas can dint quite easily due to the great variation in density between the light and dark rings, the dark rings are as hard as Maple, whereas the lighter areas can be as soft as Balsa. But the bottom line. . . one piece, 2 piece, don't mean diddly... While I didn’t count the rings in the 8 inch wide section, I’m guessing they represent about a hundred and fifty years of growth. I have some 1400 year old Black Ash, with rings the same density, so I’m making an educated guess. I’m gonna be tied up till Thursday, strange, some guys pay money and actually expect their guitar. So I reckin’ I’ll get ‘em done, before moving on to the next phase on Paul’s (gonna be a new member) Spruce Goose (but it won’t fly) Ron Kirn __________________ A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. – Thomas Jefferson Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you! -Pericles (430 B.C.)