MIMF

Wow!! That's quite a journey. You must be a very good builder!!!
Thanks for sharing

Sounds right to me

I'm going to use my 1/4 sawn for starters, but I might start with a build out of flat sawn only use a lesser grade top. I can sure use the experience.

You've all been a big help Thanks!!!

I can tell you that furniture built in a low humidity state like Wyoming and moved to say Seattle or Houston, will experience a change of up to 7% or more average humidity change. Wood moisture content changes accordingly, hence the question. If you've been building guitars for forty years without p...

After thinking about side bracing I agree with you that side bracing would be asking for failure. The side to side movement of 4" wood during humidity changes or drying over time would produce movement as much as 1/16" inch over the width of a 4" side, depending on the wood type. Calc...

I worked out of the book by Natelson & Cumpiano for my first and only build. I don't recall anything about side bracing so I didn't use any. Made a four string without doing enough research so I used a 25.4" scale length which requires too much string tension for some tunings and makes the ...

Somewhere in my reading I saw an example of using bracing on the sides to reinforce the side. I suppose this might have some effect on tone but might be an option to limit cupping. Thanks for your thoughts. Its nice to talk to people who are involved in guitar building. Luthiers in my part of the co...

Have you heard anything about bending problems with flat sawn? I would think grain run out would be very problematic. I can use 1/4 sawn for a number of guitars, but wonder about using flat sawn for sides. Would give some spectacular grain to go with the back.

I get that movement in a flat sawn back can be accommodated by bindings and bow. What about bending sides? Won't run out cause problems both in the bend itself as well as the final appearance?

Thanks for all the input. Bob, I do a lot of woodworking, (heirloom furniture) and wood movement is a big consideration when you want your build to last a long time. For that reason I want to steer away from flat sawn. Good luck with you piece.

I like the idea of a different wood for contrast in the back. I may settle for a maple or ebony center strip. Might need to be larger than I'd like.

Thanks for the ideas !!!

yah there is a lot of walnut available, but not from a tree I harvested, hauled, sawed and dried, that has great color, close straight grain grown in Montana.

Thanks for the input. I think I have enough pieces of 1/4 sawn walnut that will have good grain and color match along with some interesting effect. I am not worried about strength since well made joints using modern glues are generally stronger than the wood itself and have an amazing longevity. My ...

I am new to guitar building and have a question about backs and side wood. I came into possession of a black walnut tree a number of years ago, very beautifully colored, tight grained wood. I am not able to quarter saw wide enough pieces to make a dreadnought size guitar back. What are the drawbacks...