slim
Sore Fingers
Posts: 13
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Post by slim on Nov 5, 2023 7:40:15 GMT
I'm planning on building my first acoustic guitar and need to buy wood for the project. I haven't been able to find any tonewood suppliers near me (East Lothian, Scotland) so I will probably need to order online which feels like a bit of a gamble. Can the luthiers here recommend trustworthy and good value tonewood suppliers that I might use?
I was tempted to start with a StewMac kit but I imagine I'd get stung for import duty + VAT and I've no idea how long delivery would take. I'm therefore thinking that a UK supplier like timberline would be better. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
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colins
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 2,398 
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Post by colins on Nov 5, 2023 8:32:12 GMT
I can recommend Timberline, I know a lot of the UK builders buy from them, Chris used to build himself so thoroughly understands builders needs, he was my go to supplier. I was lucky enough to live only 20mins away from them so used to spend a lot of time in his store. He grades his wood sensibly and you can always call him and talk through your needs. shop.exotichardwoods.co.uk/The other main supplier of wood is David Dyke: luthierssupplies.co.uk/ I bought a lot of wood from them and again they will talk you through your needs, download their catalogue. Tonetech are another supplier that I used, though mainly for non-timber supplies. Colin |
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francis
C.O.G. 
Posts: 2,490
My main instrument is: Whatever I'm building...
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Post by francis on Nov 6, 2023 15:58:04 GMT
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slim
Sore Fingers
Posts: 13
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Post by slim on Nov 6, 2023 20:27:02 GMT
Thanks Colin and Francis.
Interesting comment on using reclaimed wood. Definitely something I'm interested in. Any tips for how to identify suitable wood within furniture? And any suggestions as to which bits of the guitar reclaimed wood might suit?
I guess most reclaimed wood will be flat sawn, but that might still be okay for the sides and back, right, and headstock veneer and rosette. How about within a laminated neck?
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leoroberts
C.O.G.
Posts: 26,268
My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Nov 6, 2023 22:48:03 GMT
Head to the bottom if this post, slim, and you'll hear ajlucas's thoughts on using reclaimed wood... |
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francis
C.O.G.
Posts: 2,490
My main instrument is: Whatever I'm building...
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Post by francis on Nov 6, 2023 23:23:07 GMT
Remember you can laminate thinner stock to make it bigger for necks etc…
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Post by ajlucas on Nov 7, 2023 8:28:29 GMT
As Leo says I've done a lot with reclaimed woods.
There's quite a bit of really nice mahogany about but watch out for veneered wood. I have built guitars where everything has been reclaimed wood but the easiest parts to source are necks and back and sides. For the back you need someone (or yourself) to be able to cut slices 200mm deep OR do a 3 or 4-piece back, where it's easier to cut as well as easier to find wood cut close to the quarter.
Soundboards can also be mahogany but I've also had great results from Douglas fir sourced from 1930s doors. Again don't shy away from multi-piece tops. I also use the Douglas fir for bracing. The fingerboard and bridge are not so easy as they need to be harder than mahogany but on the flip side the pieces don't have to be that big.
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Post by borborygmus on Nov 7, 2023 9:08:59 GMT
Adrian is a bit of a master at this: if you can find his Facebook page, then for example: "Ingredients for a new guitar. This time it’s a nylon string tenor - a first for me. Reclaimed Douglas fir, reclaimed mahogany and reclaimed sapele." "Pergola model made with mahogany from an 18th century square piano. Bridge and fingerboard in holly." "New Pergola guitar finished. Reclaimed Douglas fir soundboard, reclaimed mahogany back and sides from an 18th century square piano, mahogany neck from a pool table, ancient bog oak fingerboard and bridge."
Peter
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slim
Sore Fingers
Posts: 13
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Post by slim on Nov 8, 2023 13:08:05 GMT
That's a very interesting talk from ajlucas. Thanks for sharing leoroberts. I loved the sidebar about building with native woods too. |
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