Tone wood combo question

SMWelling · #1 09-04-2018, 08:09 AM

I am contemplating my first custom acoustic guitar. Is Myrtlewood top a good companion to Ziricote B/S?

Thanks!

Breedlove 1st gen Focus (Western Cedar/Indian Rosewood)
Breedlove Parlor (Mahogany)

Bruce Sexauer · #2 09-04-2018, 10:53 AM

I have never seen or heard of Myrtle being used for a top. Probably work though as it is not all that dense.

TomB'sox · #3 09-04-2018, 11:50 AM

Besides the tonal aspects of your question which Mr. Sexauer just mentioned, aesthetically, Myrtle with Ziricote might get a little busy IMO.

SJ VanSandt · #4 09-04-2018, 02:29 PM

I can imagine a myrtle top being quite striking if done with the right piece of wood, but the question is whether a piece with lots of nice figure would be stable enough. But then I've seen some beautifully figured walnut and koa tops, so why not? I would be interested to see it, if you can find someone to do it. Good luck.

Stevien · #5 09-04-2018, 03:00 PM

Breedlove does use myrtle for tops on some models. I've never played one so don't know how they respond. I would stick to one of the tried & true softer woods for the top. Plus, pairing with ziricote, I would think you'd want something with no figuring at all.
Steve

Tim McKnight · #6 09-04-2018, 05:12 PM

Myrtle has the taptone of cardboard and would NOT be a wise choice for a top on an acoustic guitar IMO. It may work fine for a drop top on an electric guitar though.

Zandit75 · #7 09-04-2018, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim McKnight

Myrtle has the taptone of cardboard and would NOT be a wise choice for a top on an acoustic guitar IMO. It may work fine for a drop top on an electric guitar though.

Are you suggesting timber selection doesn't matter when it comes to electric guitars??!!!

I'll see myself out!!!

Tim McKnight · #8 09-04-2018, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zandit75

Are you suggesting timber selection doesn't matter when it comes to electric guitars??!!!

I'll see myself out!!!

Since this an acoustic guitar forum, I won’t open that can of worms here.

Myrtle is a beautiful wood, which has more internal natural damping than some woods used on acoustic guitars and certainly a lot more damping than the more common tops used on acoustic guitars. That’s not to say that one could not use myrtle as a top ... but it certainly would not be one of [my] choices but that is an opinion of one.

The Bard Rocks · #9 09-04-2018, 09:14 PM

I like both woods and have guitars with them as backs, but my gut feeling is that it would not be a good idea to combine them, either tonally or aesthetically.

Zandit75 · #10 09-04-2018, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim McKnight

Since this an acoustic guitar forum, I won’t open that can of worms here.

Myrtle is a beautiful wood, which has more internal natural damping than some woods used on acoustic guitars and certainly a lot more damping than the more common tops used on acoustic guitars. That’s not to say that one could not use myrtle as a top ... but it certainly would not be one of [my] choices but that is an opinion of one.

Hahaha, artfully answered!!

mercy · #11 09-05-2018, 07:25 AM

It would depend on the kind of sound youre after. It certainly wouldnt be right for what I play.

colins · #12 09-06-2018, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim McKnight

Myrtle has the taptone of cardboard and would NOT be a wise choice for a top on an acoustic guitar IMO. It may work fine for a drop top on an electric guitar though.

Maybe better to use the ziricote for the top and the myrtle for the B&S

One could even pretend the ziricote was extremely rare sinker redwood...