#1
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Douglas Fir for top wood?
I am working on the build spec for an instrument in the mando family by a well known UK luthier.
He has a small supply of very old, well seasoned and stable Douglas Fir. This has been used on a few select instruments including a rather lovely custom build guitar. The wood in question has very tight grain and beautiful cream and pink colouration which would complement the flamed maple body. I like the idea of having 'local' wood incorporated in the build, aesthetically, emotionally and environmentally; but I can't help wondering if the great well of experience here has any knowledge on the use of Douglas Fir. If anyone does I'd love to hear! |
#2
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I've played a few Doug Fir topped guitars built by A.J. Lucas of the UK, and they were each very, very nice guitars.
I wouldn't hesitate to commission an instrument from a builder that has some experience with this wood.
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Larry Pattis on Spotify and Pandora LarryPattis.com American Guitar Masters 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists Steel-string guitars by Rebecca Urlacher and Simon Fay Classical guitars by Anders Sterner |
#3
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I have not used it but I want to try it sometime. I have only heard good things about it. Assuming that it has been properly seasoned, I can't think of a reason not to use it if that's what you want.
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“Reason is itself a matter of faith. It is an act of faith to assert that our thoughts have any relation to reality at all.” ― G.K. Chesterton |
#4
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Can you only play Christmas music on that guitar?
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2006 Martin OM-28V 2003 Martin 000-15S 2007 Reverend Buckshot 2004 Fender Classic 50's Telecaster 2011 Fender Blacktop Telecaster |
#5
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I live in the land of Douglas Fir trees. They're all around and are used for all types of work including furniture. The old growth tight ring material is gorgeous stuff. If it sounds like it looks, you'll really enjoy it.
For comparison: Doug Fir Tone Wood Jerry |
#6
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If it's Stefan Sobell then go for it! I played a New World model with a Douglas fir top that was great. But that was, as always, due more to the maker than the materials...
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www.michaelwattsguitar.com Album Recording Diary Skype Lessons Luthier Stories YouTube iTunes Guitars by Jason Kostal, Strings by Elixir, Gefell Mics and a nail buffer. |
#7
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The wood in question comes from a very old driftwood tree washed up on Fair Isle, so I suppose it has a bit of innate romance imbued in it.
The builder in question is Scottish luthier Jimmy Moon, who himself was originally from Arran, and the instrument in question is (approximately) a bozouki scale length cittern which will be deployed for both traddy and general use. I am leaning towards the Douglas Fir. If anyone knows of any just impediment speak now, or forever... Also any more info opinions welcome! Thanks good people. |
#8
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Hey JCave. A shout out from another Oregonian here. In Portland, but love Zig Zag. God's Country brother. Give a shout if you wish.
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#9
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There has been a couple of threads on some of the builder forums lately, mostly very positive. If your builder has built with it and suggests it to you...and you think it's cool as well, I'd say go for it.
I love the idea of using saltwater drifted woods in a guitar myself.
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https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-T...56266954411686 http://www.reverbnation.com/jayhowlett http://www.jayhowlett.com Guitars: I'm really happy to have a few nice ones. Last edited by BBWW; 05-30-2011 at 12:56 AM. |
#10
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Yup, folks on luthier forums seem to like the stuff.
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#11
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#12
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We built a couple at McPherson. They sounded like spruce topped McPherson guitars. They weren't the prettiest to look at if you like wood that looks like poundcake though.
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#13
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.............
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"Still a man hears what he wants to hear, and disregards the rest." --Paul Simon |
#14
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Quote:
Why use something like that when there are so many other great choices?
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“Reason is itself a matter of faith. It is an act of faith to assert that our thoughts have any relation to reality at all.” ― G.K. Chesterton |
#15
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Why? How would that be different from sinker redwood taken from a river?
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Sachi Kolaya Carmen, Trek parlor (by Harv L), Martin 000-28EC, Taylor GC-5 and 355. |