Hey all. I'm considering a 12-fret small body build, most likely Goncalo/Spruce (what I have on hand), and wondering about something other than mahogany or spanish cedar for the neck. I'm afraid not using mahogany or spanish cedar may diminish the warmth. I have some maple, walnut, cherry, some questionable looking limba, and more goncalo. The goncalo is dense, and want to avoid a neck-heavy instrument; so for that reason, may be my last choice for the neck. The neck will be 5 pieces laminated, so combinations are fair game, too. Ideas?
Thx
Maple or Goncalo neck for OO/OOO
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Mark Swanson
- Posts: 1991
- Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2012 11:11 am
- Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan USA
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Re: Maple or Goncalo neck for OO/OOO
Walnut and cherry both work great, I feel they are two of my favorite woods for necks. Walnut is probably the warmer, cherry is a bit like mahogany really.
- Mark Swanson, guitarist, MIMForum Staff
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Randy Roberts
- Posts: 466
- Joined: Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:11 pm
- Location: Omaha, NE (a suburb of Iowa)
Re: Maple or Goncalo neck for OO/OOO
I've used maple for a couple 000"s and been happy, but I'd agree with Mark.
Just be careful with your laminates. Don't let the center laminate be the same width as your truss rod slot, make that layer larger or smaller in width.
Just be careful with your laminates. Don't let the center laminate be the same width as your truss rod slot, make that layer larger or smaller in width.