Tas oak neck?

[Solandra]

Hi
I'm about to do my first build using John Bogdanovich's videos and book, I am wondering if anyone has used Tas oak on a classical build for the neck? I've read in the forums that it has been used as a bolt on neck on an electric. I've read that it's properties are similar to mahogany????

Thanks in advance,
Mark

[demonx]

I've used Tassy Oak a couple of times and each time I say never again. I got rid of the last boards of it so that I wouldn't ever use it again.

Leave it for tables and chairs!

[curly]

The downside of Tas Oak or Vic Ash for that matter is that the common name is used for quite a range of Eucalypt species . Some of the species such as Euc. regnans or Euc. delagatensis are well suitable for necks . In the range for density and stronger than mahogany . The dimensional movement is overstated , movement in service is not overly high ( off the change modulus statistics ) . Other species in the grouping such as Euc. obliqua , cypellocarpa or dalremplyeana are getting too heavy for a classical , possibly even too heavy for steel string . Obliqua particularly can be prone to fine checks ( cracks ) . If your timber source doesn't specify species as opposed to the broad Tas Oak common name then it's use is risky .
Ultimately though it's down to the properties of the particular piece you are looking at using as even within a species properties can vary widely . We have a Euc. obliqua drying at the moment that I would happily build with ( the fiddleback helps !) . You need to assess the piece for true grain with no run out , quarter sawn orientation , clear of gum vein and in Ash Eucalypts you should check the end grain for internal honeycombing .
Pete

[56nortondomy]

I've used it on 2 classical necks Mark and they've both been fine, both were reinforced with cf. Take note of what Pete said, it's good advice. Wayne

[Solandra]

Thanks for the advice, I may have to look into some QLD maple;)

Mark

[charangohabsburg]

I've used Tassy Oak a couple of times and each time I say never again.

And what has been the problem?

[demonx]

I've used Tassy Oak a couple of times and each time I say never again.

And what has been the problem?

I just think there are much better timbers out there, as in, it's not very nice to work with, it's not very nice to look at, it's a prick to grain fill and if you're a believer of "Tonewood's" then you'd say its dead as a door knob.

I've never used it for a neck, I have used it for bodies and I didn't end out selling any of them that it got used on.

That's just my opinion, others are welcome to express theirs.

Thanks for the advice, I may have to look into some QLD maple;)

Mark

Now there's a good timber. Great for necks, great for bodies, great to work with, looks excellent with a finish.

[slowlearner]

Thus far, I'm up to 8 basses and 1 baritone with tas oak necks. Personally I reckon it's a great timber for necks. Super straight grain, super strong, available, sustainable, cheap. Yes, it does tear out a little too easily and burn quick with a router or sander if your passes are too slow. It's also quite dense and heavy. So it's probably more useful where you usually use rock maple than say mahogany. I wouldn't use it for bodies unless it's a laminate body just due to weight. I have used it for fingerboards though and it works well for that.

Here's the baritone... tas oak neck, board, top and back.