Blackbean or Sassafrass Anyone?

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ozziebluesman
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Blackbean or Sassafrass Anyone?

Post by ozziebluesman » Wed Oct 10, 2007 12:01 pm

Hi everybody,

Thanks Bob for making me aware of this forum. I will enjoy chatting and learning from you all in the near future.

My first project is going to be a weissenborn guitar. Back and sides from some Tasmanian Sassafrass. I aquired this wood from a a Timber Mill in Tassie. It has been air dried for four years now. Not sure what it will sound like but it sort of tells me it will be warm sounding. Or maybe thats what I am hopeing!!!!! The wood is fairly straight grained and should come up good under finish. Again, I can only hope. If any of you guys have had experience with Sassafrass I would like to hear from you.

Image

I have some Blackbean for the fretboard and bridge. The headstock blank is Sassafrass. Please see pic attached. Has anyone had any experience using this wood? Will it be suitable to use as a fretboard and bridge?

Thank you all for looking.

Cheers for now

Alan
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Paul B

Post by Paul B » Wed Oct 10, 2007 12:05 pm

Welcome Alan,

I guess blackbean would be suitable, it's as tough as nails, and so hard I reckon you could hammer nails in with it.

I guess you'll have to find out if it works and let the rest of us know.
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Bob Connor
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Post by Bob Connor » Wed Oct 10, 2007 12:26 pm

Hi Alan

I've just started putting together a little 0 model parlor type guitar from sassafras so I don't know what it's going to turn out like either.

It's a little harder than Mahogany but still reasonably soft for a hardwood so I'm with you in thinking (hoping) that it'll have a warm sound with nice mids.

The only other Sassafras guitar I've seen was made by Barry Kerr and I've only seen pics - not heard it.

It'll be interesting to compare notes when they're both finished.

And welcome aboard.

Cheers

Bob
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matthew
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Post by matthew » Wed Oct 10, 2007 12:31 pm

I am going to try sassafras as a neck wood for my #2 double bass. my only experience carving it so far is that it seems a bit splintery at end-grain so I'll have to be really careful with the gouges. I'll be starting soon so I'll keep you posted if anything interesting happens.

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Last edited by matthew on Wed Oct 10, 2007 1:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Serge
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Post by Serge » Wed Oct 10, 2007 12:41 pm

Hi Alan, welcome aboard mate, looking forward to see that instrument coming along too! :D
Jesus, family, friends, guitar and mandolin : D
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ozziebluesman
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Post by ozziebluesman » Wed Oct 10, 2007 10:17 pm

Thanks Paul, Bob, Matt and Serge for the welcome.

The Blackbean is tough to work with Paul. I have a little Jarrah in the shop, maybe that will be a little for friendly to work with.

Looking forward to talking and learning from you all.

Cheers

Alan
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Lillian
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Post by Lillian » Thu Oct 11, 2007 12:19 pm

Do you guys have any ugly wood over there?
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BillyT
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Post by BillyT » Thu Oct 11, 2007 12:30 pm

Ugly enough for ya Lillian?
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Paul B

Post by Paul B » Thu Oct 11, 2007 12:37 pm

What's that Billy?
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Lillian
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Post by Lillian » Thu Oct 11, 2007 9:28 pm

What's ugly about that?
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Bob Connor
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Post by Bob Connor » Thu Oct 11, 2007 9:35 pm

I think I see someones head in there.
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Paul B

Post by Paul B » Thu Oct 11, 2007 9:51 pm

Yeah Bob, it's Jimi Hendrix with big hair.

Don't tell me you can't see that.
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Ron Wisdom
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Post by Ron Wisdom » Fri Oct 12, 2007 4:12 am

Yep, Jimi Hendrix is who I see, too!!!! :D

Ron
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Ron Wisdom
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Post by Ron Wisdom » Fri Oct 12, 2007 4:13 am

Maybe that's Billy Hendrix? :roll:


Probably whould have said Bili Hendrix



Ron
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Kim
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Post by Kim » Fri Oct 12, 2007 7:40 am

I see Bob's mate Dave with his big froe hippy wig on, if you look close you can see the eyes and a big beeming smile :D

Cheers

Kim
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BillyT
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Post by BillyT » Fri Oct 12, 2007 4:57 pm

It's a horrible flaw in the wood! It makes it looks like Jimi Heshrix!

Image

No way in H. E. double hockey sticks could you ever sell a guitar with such a disfigurement! :shock: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Paul B

Post by Paul B » Fri Oct 12, 2007 8:12 pm

That is uncanny.

Man, I'm feeling a bit freaked out here.
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BillyT
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Post by BillyT » Sat Oct 13, 2007 4:13 am

Yea! It's scary! :lol: :lol: :lol:
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