SpaceForRent
Well-known member
I know it’s not a common wood for instruments, but has anyone used American Holly (Ilex opaca) before? If so, in what capacity? How would you describe the experience and the final outcome?
Here’s some info on its properties. Seems to have a number of interesting things going for it, but also some drawbacks.
https://www.wood-database.com/holly/
I’m noodling around with the idea of building an instrument (someday... probably not my first build, though) with woods native to my area - New England. Not necessarily sourced locally, but species that could have been. Sides, back, and neck have lots of good options. Sound board would probably have to be eastern white cedar. Maybe holly could serve for the finger board or headstock veneer. Not sure if larger pieces would bend well enough for sides or binding, but that pure white could be striking. Anyway, I guess I’m just doing some fact finding.
Here’s some info on its properties. Seems to have a number of interesting things going for it, but also some drawbacks.
https://www.wood-database.com/holly/
I’m noodling around with the idea of building an instrument (someday... probably not my first build, though) with woods native to my area - New England. Not necessarily sourced locally, but species that could have been. Sides, back, and neck have lots of good options. Sound board would probably have to be eastern white cedar. Maybe holly could serve for the finger board or headstock veneer. Not sure if larger pieces would bend well enough for sides or binding, but that pure white could be striking. Anyway, I guess I’m just doing some fact finding.