Neck Laminate material question

[Paul Eisenbrey]

Hi all,

I'm finishing up #3 today (a parlor for my grandson -- pics in a few days) and I'm planning the next. It'll be another parlor, this one for my granddaughter.

On the last couple of builds, I've laminated the neck ('spanish' cedar with an 3/4" oak center lam). Not due to any strength issues, but because I like the way it looks. If I get worried about strength, I'll sink some CF into the wood . The problem is that they have been neck-heavy.

I like the Spanish cedar. Even though the dust gets up my nose, it is very easy to work, and very light. So I'm looking for contrasting color woods I can put in the middle, that won't add too much weight to it. Any suggestions?

--Paul

[Allen]

I can't see how the oak itself would lend to the neck being overly heavy unless that centre strip was fairly chunky, since the Spanish Cedar is so very light. At least the stuff I have is.

Lot's of things can make the instrument neck heavy. Its a real struggle on ukes that I build mostly as the bodies are so very light. Easy to get the balance off.

Tuners are a big one, but also the dimensions of headstock, and how much has been pared off the neck itself. And a counter balance of a heavier tail block may help with balance.

But back to the question at hand. For a light colour I'd try perhaps a figured maple with some black veneer on each side. If a darker colour then perhaps a walnut.