reclaimed australian tonewood

[colby]

Hi,

I'm trying to launch a project to build a classical guitar from reclaimed or "found" wood. The guitar is a gift from a bunch of guys from all over the world - Australia, France, Hawaii, and California. The idea is to find the wood, document the find and the milling of the wood, have it dried and milled, then sent to me in California. Aesthetics are important, but secondary to structural integrity and having been "reclaimed." Our buddy (who is getting the gift) is a nut about reclaimed/traceable usage and sustainability.

My goal is to find either the Back/Sides or Neck wood from Australia. And it would be really meaningful if we could find something in the Melbourne or Sydney areas -both places he's spent a lot of time.

Do any of you have any suggestions for species of wood to look for, or local expert(s) I could speak with to get some help with the species identification and milling?

Thanks for reading!

Colby

[martintaylor]

Hi Colby,

I have made several guitars from reclaimed wood. The trick for finding something appropriate for back and sides is making sure it is wide enough and preferably quarter sawn. Fortunately, most hardwoods that were used in furniture etc were quartered.

I probably have some Tassie Oak left over that was reclaimed from a desk that was thrown out on the side of the road in Lindfield, Sydney. I used it for a small body steel string that I am very happy with.

I can have a look in my shed to see if there's enough left for another build. Maybe not a dreadnought shape but probably enough for a small body shape.

Martin

The pic below shows the sides and the top while finishing.

[slowlearner]

Does it have to be acoustic? Coz an electric would make it a HEAP easier and you could be sure to end up with something with good sound quality.