An All PNW woods guitar - seeking input

WayneJohnson · #1 05-27-2022, 02:30 PM

Ok, luthier friends,

I have a client who wants me to build him an acoustic, steel-string guitar using only woods from the pacific northwest. He has chosen my small jumbo model, it will be a 14-fret 25.5 scale. He has chosen Douglas fir for the back and sides western red cedar for the top.

Question: other than maple, what would you recommend for the neck, fingerboard and bridge? I'd love to hear your thoughts and input. Thanks,

Wayne Irvin Johnson

vpolineni · #2 05-27-2022, 02:35 PM

Port orford cedar comes to mind for the neck but if that's a viable material, can douglas fir work? That way you're consistent with the back and sides.

Otherwise walnut comes to mind for the neck and has been used for he fingerboard and bridge. Myrtle would be another great PNW choice!

TomB'sox · #3 05-27-2022, 02:40 PM

I would switch it around and use Myrtle for the back and sides and doug fir for the neck.

schoolie · #4 05-27-2022, 02:41 PM

Big Leaf Maple for the neck, Acer macrophyllum

ssstewart · #5 05-27-2022, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schoolie

Big Leaf Maple for the neck, Acer macrophyllum

another vote for big leaf maple

love it!!!!

Al Mojo · #6 05-27-2022, 03:45 PM

interesting!

Perhaps figured walnut for the neck .. and figured yew for the fingerboard and bridge?

Dogma · #7 05-27-2022, 05:12 PM

Interesting. I'm curious about the use of a conifer for back/sides. Has anyone heard such an instrument before? What's the concept besides all PNW?
Just wondering!

The Bard Rocks · #8 05-27-2022, 08:06 PM

All conifer guitar have been successful - but are far and few between. If I were getting one, I'd look for Port Orford Cedar. I have seen photos of all Sitka and wonder how an all Fir would work.

Treenewt · #9 05-28-2022, 07:09 AM

I have nothing to add beyond the ideas already mentioned, but I just wanted to say I LOVE this idea and can’t wait to see it! It brings to mind Tom Bo’Sox recent all Texas build. I would love to see more of these!

WayneJohnson · #10 05-28-2022, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

I would switch it around and use Myrtle for the back and sides and doug fir for the neck.

Oh, Tom, yeah, no kidding. I have built with Myrtle before and it turned out really nice. There is some really stunning Myrtle out there too. However, my client has Douglas fir growing in his yard and he is pretty set on that for the back and sides. I located a pretty nice set that has some really nice curl to it. hopefully I will post the build once we get going.

WayneJohnson · #11 05-28-2022, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogma

Interesting. I'm curious about the use of a conifer for back/sides. Has anyone heard such an instrument before? What's the concept besides all PNW?
Just wondering!

Yes, I believe an all conifer guitar has been done before and with good success, although I have not played one myself.

My client is an engineer with a PHD in materials analysis. He is very knowledgeable and keen on using sustainable woods with the goal in mind that a luthier can build an incredible sounding guitar without relying on the traditional woods that many may feel must be used to make a really good guitar. He absolutely loves guitar and just wants to consider how we can continue to build amazing instruments for ages to come. We met at La Conner and I was very honored he has commissioned me for this project. He is a very fine fingerstyle player by the way. We are both hoping for a wonderful outcome when it is all said and done including having him record some nice demos with it. As is true of all my luthier friends, I am a very passionate builder and will give it everything I've got to make my client's dream come true. I'll do my best to post our progress.

I appreciate all the input so far.

Steve Kinnaird · #12 05-28-2022, 07:42 AM

Hi Wayne, I’m not sure if you have Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus spp) in your target area, but it does grow in Oregon and Idaho. It is one of the hardest North American species, with a Janka hardness of 3,200 lbf. Small trees, but it should yield enough for fretboards and bridges.
This sounds like a fun project!

Steve

WayneJohnson · #13 05-28-2022, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Kinnaird

Hi Wayne, I’m not sure if you have Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus spp) in your target area, but it does grow in Oregon and Idaho. It is one of the hardest North American species, with a Janka hardness of 3,200 lbf. Small trees, but it should yield enough for fretboards and bridges.
This sounds like a fun project!

Steve

Thanks Steve. I did not know that. very good info.

Stevien · #14 05-28-2022, 10:09 AM

If he's set on Doug fir, you're pretty limited. I would take a que from builders who have been building PNW guitars for decades, such as Breedlove. (here in Bend) To me, the ultimate PNW woods would be Myrtle for B&S, Maple neck w/Walnut stringer, Walnut trim & bindings, & Port Orford Cedar top. The fretboard & bridge will be the biggest challenge, but I would consider using walnut there too! I believe Steven Kinnaird has built guitars pretty close to what I just described.
Steve

Bruce Sexauer · #15 05-28-2022, 10:47 AM

I have made a very successful guitar from Pacific Yew. All yew with a German spruce top. Sold it to Duck Baker. A great wood, but difficult to find large enough pieces.

Myrtle is my favorite domestic Tonewood.

Douglas fir can be used for every part of a guitar. Some old growth material I’ve used is so hard it needs to be pre-drilled to nail. I’ve heard DF topped guitars that sound beautiful.