Cocobolo fretboard?

vic@leftiesonly · #1 01-17-2012, 03:21 PM

Any experiences?

I have a lefty 00 SP on order with Huss and Dalton in cocobolo with an Englemann top and they are suggesting we do a bridge and fretboard in matching cocobolo, which could be quite striking.

JoeCharter · #2 01-17-2012, 03:22 PM

I don't have experience with a cocobolo fretboard but I think it's a great idea. I'm sure it'll be beautiful.

I've seen cocobolo binding before and even that is striking. The whole fretboard? It'll sell fast I'm sure.

Kent Chasson · #3 01-17-2012, 03:30 PM

Cocobolo is one of my favorite fretboard woods. It is dense, naturally oily, very stable, and beautiful. Works well for bridges too.

I've probably built 30 or so guitars with it but this book-matched one is my favorite.

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...hlight=chasson

JoeCharter · #4 01-17-2012, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kent Chasson

Cocobolo is one of my favorite fretboard woods. It is dense, naturally oily, very stable, and beautiful. Works well for bridges too.

I've probably built 30 or so guitars with it but this book-matched one is my favorite.

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...hlight=chasson

That is a stunning fretboard and an exquisite guitar!

ericcsong · #5 01-17-2012, 03:36 PM

Kent, that cocobolo fretboard is amazing. love it!

what about a cocobolo neck?

Kent Chasson · #6 01-17-2012, 03:40 PM

Thanks Joe and Eric.

Here's another one showing Cocobolo fingerboard and bridge. By the way, Cocobolo is the only wood I would use flat-sawn for a fingerboard. It is more stable flat than quarter sawn ebony. You can get some more interesting grain when it's flat sawn.

zabdart · #7 01-17-2012, 04:13 PM

Cocobolo is beautiful wood. It's a species of rosewood and has most of the same properties. The only problem with it is that it's highly oily and some people are allergic to the oils in it. That could be a problem. You could wind up with this beautiful-looking guitar you can't play because you're allergic to the wood on the fretboard.
So it's an individual, case-by-case thing.

Kent Chasson · #8 01-17-2012, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zabdart

Cocobolo is beautiful wood. It's a species of rosewood and has most of the same properties. The only problem with it is that it's highly oily and some people are allergic to the oils in it. That could be a problem. You could wind up with this beautiful-looking guitar you can't play because you're allergic to the wood on the fretboard.
So it's an individual, case-by-case thing.

It's the dust that is the problem, or at least exposure to the oil when it gets dispersed in the saw dust. The people who have problems are the people who work with it. It is almost unheard of for someone to react to the wood. The only instance I have heard of was with a bracelet where the wood is in constant contact with a sensitive part of the skin and sweating under it opens the pores. Fingertips are not nearly as sensitive. I have at least 30 guitars out there and no problems. I've never heard of any from other builders either.

vic@leftiesonly · #9 01-17-2012, 10:41 PM

Spectacular, Kent! Except it's a righty

I went ahead with the fingerboard and the bridge. Will post pictures when it's done in May sometime ...

RussMason · #10 01-18-2012, 05:13 AM

It's always great to see beautiful work.

I would love to play one of these nice guitars. Will you send me one?

zabdart · #11 01-18-2012, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kent Chasson

It's the dust that is the problem, or at least exposure to the oil when it gets dispersed in the saw dust. The people who have problems are the people who work with it. It is almost unheard of for someone to react to the wood. The only instance I have heard of was with a bracelet where the wood is in constant contact with a sensitive part of the skin and sweating under it opens the pores. Fingertips are not nearly as sensitive. I have at least 30 guitars out there and no problems. I've never heard of any from other builders either.

Thanks for the info. I stand corrected once again... but what else is new?

chistrummer · #12 01-18-2012, 09:03 AM

I had a custom Breedlove with coco fretboard and bridge, great looking and tough as nails..

Howard Klepper · #13 01-18-2012, 12:14 PM

Cocobolo makes an excellent fretboard. It's density, hardness, and oiliness are all advantages. I use it regularly, but only quartersawn. I've never heard of an allergic reaction to playing on one.

I have used cocobolo for bridges with success. I also stick with quartersawn there. Its density can influence the tone, so that has to be considered in the choice.