Basswood for a Dulcimer Top?

[Scott Reid]

Hi. I am making a couple of teardrop dulcimers and my girlfriend is going to be doing some wood burning on them. She has tried burning on spruce, but we don't like the look of the grain coming through. Anyone have any ideas about the sound and or strength of Basswood for a top?

[Michael Lewis]

Basswood should work.

[Clay Schaeffer]

Another wood to consider is tulip poplar. Tulip poplar has been used for dulcimer tops and gets good reviews. It is fairly light weight and I believe a little stronger than bass wood. It should be commonly available most places and relatively cheap. The sap wood is a creamy white and should take wood burning well.

[Scott Reid]

Thanks guys. I'll give the Basswood a go and see how it sounds once I've got it thinned down. If it sounds blah, I'll just let her burn something on it and go with the poplar.