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#1
02-04-2022, 10:03 PM
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Where to get a really great Snakewood fretboard blank?
I have a build coming up in late April (build thread will be coming) and am interested in having a Snakewood fretboard. The luthier is fine with using Snakewood and has used it before, but doesn't have any on hand.
So the criteria are that it needs to be well-aged, dried, and stable, since it will be used in a build starting in just a few months. Also, it needs to be a truly fine example of the species--bold, distinct Snakewood pattern across the board. I've already checked online--Ebay, Gilmer, North Star Tonewoods, but none of them have really good grain pattern. Any leads on other wood suppliers or luthiers with the good stuff would be appreciated! Replies or PMs welcomed.
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Instruments: 2022 Dake Traphagen 12F Slope Dread--Torrefied Carpathian Spruce/Snakewood 2016 Darren Hippner "Torres" classical model--German Spruce/Pernambuco Commissioned: mid-2024 Michel Aboudib MA-J Fanfret--Western Red Cedar/Bois de Rose late-2024 Michel Aboudib--TBD Last edited by TomB'sox; 02-05-2022 at 03:41 PM. Reason: Making the post rule complient 
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#2
02-05-2022, 03:38 PM
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You might try Gilmer Woods
__________________
Mark Hatcher www.hatcherguitars.com “"A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking". Steven Wright
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#3
02-05-2022, 04:19 PM
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Quote:
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#4
02-05-2022, 06:08 PM
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The middle one looks good to me and it’s less $ than I’d want for it.
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#5
02-07-2022, 07:22 AM
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Thanks for the suggestions, fellas. I had already checked Gilmer's supply and nothing they currently have was catching my eye, considering the prices. I will probably be ordering one from Northstar Tonewoods, they're about half the price of Gilmer, although Gilmer is consistently top notch in the quality/stability of what they sell, in my experience.
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Instruments: 2022 Dake Traphagen 12F Slope Dread--Torrefied Carpathian Spruce/Snakewood 2016 Darren Hippner "Torres" classical model--German Spruce/Pernambuco Commissioned: mid-2024 Michel Aboudib MA-J Fanfret--Western Red Cedar/Bois de Rose late-2024 Michel Aboudib--TBD
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#6
02-07-2022, 11:21 AM
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I have bought several Snakewood logs over the years, and they generally arrive completely sealed up. If they were not sealed, they would likely be riddled with drying checks, judging by some of the larger pieces I have lying around years after re-sawing. My point is that the level of expertise in the sawing and subsequent handling and storage of Snakewood can make or break the quality of the fingerboard you are considering, more so than with most of the materials we use. I do encourage research and a bit of caution re what may appear to be a better deal than that offered by an outfit like Gilmer, who are known to be both competent and fairly priced. IMO, of course.
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#7
07-17-2022, 12:36 AM
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Interesting. I've a really nice large piece (prob for 2 fingerboards plus a bridge maybe?) I picked up in the 1990s that's been just sitting there without cracking or checking. Do they become stable after being properly dried?
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#8
07-17-2022, 12:25 PM
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The checking only occurs during the drying phase. Once it is air dried then it will be fine so long as it isn't exposed to extreme RH or RH changes.
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#9
07-18-2022, 12:35 PM
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It may be out of your acquisition range, but KJP select hardwoods always has some really nice snakewood blanks. I don't believe they are sealed, but I haven't looked at them in a while. The occasionally have some big enough for a fingerboard. It's a long ways from you, but your american pesos hit a lot harder up here. I'd be willing to help you pick one out, though they do have a luthier on staff that would also be good to talk to
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