Rethinking Alaskan Yellow Cedar

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Dennis Weaver

Rethinking Alaskan Yellow Cedar

Post by Dennis Weaver »

I went down the basement today and got out all the stored wood.

In the soundboard woods-

I have Sitka Spruce, Western Red Cedar, and Alaskan Yellow Cedar soundboards all AAA or Master grade from 1996-97. (10 soundboards altogether)

All the plates are 3/16" to 1/4" thick but the Alaskan Yellow cedar really stands out as the wood with the tap tone ring!!

I thought that was my worst wood and here it might be the best.
Michael Lewis
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Re: Rethinking Alaskan Yellow Cedar

Post by Michael Lewis »

It's a good structural material, but it tastes terrible.
Dennis Weaver

Re: Rethinking Alaskan Yellow Cedar

Post by Dennis Weaver »

Next time get the "honey mustard sauce" with it.
Matthew Lau
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Joined: Sat Feb 18, 2012 2:03 am

Re: Rethinking Alaskan Yellow Cedar

Post by Matthew Lau »

I totally agree on the taste--also, it can smell like skunk.
I much prefer the smell of walnut, port orford cypress, rosewood--stuff that will likely kill me.
Jim Kirby
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Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2012 6:01 pm
Location: Newark, Delaware

Re: Rethinking Alaskan Yellow Cedar

Post by Jim Kirby »

I don't think Alaska Yellow Cedar looks right for a top wood. I love it for backs and sides. I've built two blancas with it and have wood for several more. One of the guitars is, I think, probably the second best of the ones I've built, after an Indian and Cedar Romanillos classical. At any rate, I like the wood a lot, just not for tops.
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John Tuttle
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Re: Rethinking Alaskan Yellow Cedar

Post by John Tuttle »

I've used it for numerous guitars and have been very happy with the tonal quality. The wood I have was cut in 1890 and is from old vinegar tanks so the smell and taste is closer to pickles than skunk.
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