I live in Louisiana and recently found an ad for some cypress boards that had been salvaged from some really old houses. I was just curious as to whether or not this wood is worthy of lutherie. Back? Sides? Neck? Any thoughts on this?
Salvaged cypress for build??
- Thread starter ucityuker
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narrowuke
Active member
No reason why you can't use it for back & sides.
It's used a lot for flamenco guitars originally because it was cheep,
now unfortunately getting rather expensive but has a wonderful aroma that lasts for years.
It's used a lot for flamenco guitars originally because it was cheep,
now unfortunately getting rather expensive but has a wonderful aroma that lasts for years.
cool. I plan to go look at it soon. It's going for $2.75 per BF. Think I might try and find a nice q-sawn board. I expect it all to be flat sawn since it's so old and was used on a house for framing and not to be seen, although I may be pleasantly surprised. Thanks for the input.
harpdog
Well-known member
My favorite guitar has cypress back & sides - sounds great (and yes, smells fantastic)
I think there's an all cypress uke out there somewhere - recent build by a respected builder - can't remember who...
I think there's an all cypress uke out there somewhere - recent build by a respected builder - can't remember who...
erich@muttcrew.net
Well-known member
We've also used cypress for the top and neck (on a piccolo uke), as well as for back and sides a number of times.
dave g
Well-known member
Watch out for nails when you cut it!
EDW
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BR Ukuleles
Well-known member
I've built an all Cypress including neck 000 steel string guitar. Used 2 Carbon Fiber 1/8" x 3/8" rods plus a double action truss rod in the neck. Sounds great and has stood up just fine after 5 years.
Tarhead
Well-known member
Look for 2X10 or wider boards with a big portion of the pith in the center. Either side of the pith will be mostly quartered and can be resawn at an angle to acheive 90 degree grain. I have some old growth sinker Cypress with super dense growth ring counts, pulled out of the basin by Henderson but have not considered using it for an instrument until your threads here and on OLF.
Cool. Be sure and post pics. I follow all of the ukes on this site and can't wait to see that one.
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