Basswood For Back Bracing?

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Gilbert Fredrickson
Posts: 291
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2012 9:07 pm

Basswood For Back Bracing?

Post by Gilbert Fredrickson »

I have a lot of very straight grain Basswood I've been using for lining strips. It's tempting to use some for back bracing instead of so-so Khaya or really excellent Englemann. The Khaya is has some run out. It's about ten years old. Is Basswood a poor choice on a Cedar/EIR classical? I could use the Khaya for lining, too. I'm using it for binding instead of Maple. It looks good with the Cedar top.
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Barry Daniels
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Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2012 10:58 am
Location: The Woodlands, Texas

Re: Basswood For Back Bracing?

Post by Barry Daniels »

I think it is a very bad idea. Basswood is sort of soft and gummy compared to spruce or mahogany.
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Gilbert Fredrickson
Posts: 291
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2012 9:07 pm

Re: Basswood For Back Bracing?

Post by Gilbert Fredrickson »

Good thinking. I was fooled by the quality of it's cut. I shaped the neck with a button-likeTorres heel and 1888 (GAL plan) Torres headstock, so I'm rethinking the whole guitar.
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