Do you have a question? Ask us here.
Question:
What is the difference between Indian and Madagascan rosewood?
Answer:
Generally Madagascan rosewood is a bit harder than Indian, more like Brazilian, also it tends to have more figure than Indian rosewood. Of course that is not to say that it’s better, the choice between the two should depend on the guitar you intend to make.
Question:
Is European Spruce suitable for steel string guitars?
Answer:
Yes it most certainly is. Although Sitka Spruce is generally used for steel string guitars I always advise my students to try European Spruce particularly if they are looking for a warmer sound. European Spruce is usually more expensive than Sitka which is probably why most steel string makers shy away from it.
Question:
What is the best way to apply shellac?
Answer:
Shellac can be applied three ways depending on what stage you are with your finishing.
1) With a mop (brush)
2) With a fad
3) With a rubber
The mop or the fad would be used for your sealing coat, the rubber would then be used for the bodying coats. If you have no experience in French polishing I urge you to take a couple of lessons from an experienced polisher, it may save you from a considerable amount of heart ache.
Question:
Is Madagascan rosewood Difficult to bend? Are there any special techniques needed?
Answer:
Madagascan rosewood is a little bit like Brazilian rosewood when it comes to bending. Actually it bends very well providing it is not left too thick. I recommend a thickness of no more than 2 mm, at that thickness it will bend as well as any timber.
There are no special techniques needed, bend it as you would usually do it. I prefer a bending iron but you might prefer some other means.
Question:
I am thinking of stocking up on wood as I know it will be hard to get in a few years. Do you have any advice on how to store it?
Answer:
Actually all of the woods used in guitar making are already becoming hard to find, particularly in the grades needed for making a great guitar. To make a great guitar one needs master grade timber which has always been hard to find but no more so than now. Our A grade timbers are as good as you can find but they are rare these days.
The best way to store your wood is to separate each piece with a shim about 5 mm thick at each end, lay each piece on top of each other, I usually store my timbers 10 sets at a time, this gives me 20 pieces in each stack. When each piece is separated from each other it is a good idea to tie the stack together. The idea of the shims is to let the air circulate around each piece.
Question:
I have a stock of Toona Ciliata – all quarter sawn. Much of it will be great for necks. But some has been resawed too thin. Would it be suitable for sides and backs? I know it doesn’t have great bending properties, I just wondered if you have a view?
Answer:
It can be used for back and sides but as you say in your email it’s not the best for bending, I would advise you thin the sides to a bit less than 2 mm if you intend bending them. I use Australian red cedar for my back bars and linings, you may find this a better use for the thinner pieces.