IMG_1426

I guess on the next build you should try some wood with an even grain. I like to work in poplar, but then I build using 3 or 4 stringers. Some say poplar can warp, but I haven't had the problem. It is what I'd call a "soft hardwood". Other really hard woods can be difficult to work in, especially if you are only using hand tools like I do (except I do use a hand drill).

Another option which I have also done is laminate my own neck out of several 1/8" thick lengths of wood, which can be anywhere for 0.75 inches wide to 2 inches (a bit too wide for my taste). You'll need a lot of clamps before you try gluing the neck pieces together. What's nice about laminating though is that you can cut the top layer short to leave a space for your hollow under the sound board (and glue a bit on again for the tail piece, and you can cut the top layer short for your head so your strings can bend over the nut better, and then you can add a piece under the head to strengthen it and you can add another piece where the neck extends through the cigar box. So, you are building up your neck instead of cutting wood out from a larger piece. But there is still a fair amount of wood working involved as you will need to file down the sides of the neck form two smooth surfaces. I've written more about this on my personal CBN blog.
-Rand.

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Comments

Rand Moore January 7, 2011 at 2:23am

I guess on the next build you should try some wood with an even grain. I like to work in poplar, but then I build using 3 or 4 stringers. Some say poplar can warp, but I haven't had the problem. It is what I'd call a "soft hardwood". Other really hard woods can be difficult to work in, especially if you are only using hand tools like I do (except I do use a hand drill).

Another option which I have also done is laminate my own neck out of several 1/8" thick lengths of wood, which can be anywhere for 0.75 inches wide to 2 inches (a bit too wide for my taste). You'll need a lot of clamps before you try gluing the neck pieces together. What's nice about laminating though is that you can cut the top layer short to leave a space for your hollow under the sound board (and glue a bit on again for the tail piece, and you can cut the top layer short for your head so your strings can bend over the nut better, and then you can add a piece under the head to strengthen it and you can add another piece where the neck extends through the cigar box. So, you are building up your neck instead of cutting wood out from a larger piece. But there is still a fair amount of wood working involved as you will need to file down the sides of the neck form two smooth surfaces. I've written more about this on my personal CBN blog.
-Rand.
tal bluver January 6, 2011 at 3:12pm

thats the wood natural grain

by the way- it was very difficult as hell trying to level it couse the dark lines are harder then the lighter lines.
Rand Moore January 5, 2011 at 9:29pm

From this angle, those wavy grain lines in the scarf cut and the end of the headstock look quite nice.

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