I am starting a build for a pair of flat top octave mandolins and am wondering how stable walnut would be for a neck. The back an sides are going to be black walnut.
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I am starting a build for a pair of flat top octave mandolins and am wondering how stable walnut would be for a neck. The back an sides are going to be black walnut.
Cut on the quarter it should be very stable, assuming its well dried.
I've used walnut for necks many times, works fine.
Walnut was successfully used by several manufactures in the old days. Among others, Gibson used walnut necks on quite a few of their banjos from the late 1920's through the early 1940's; also on some modern era re-issues.
Thanks for the replies. That is one less thing to worry about. I did not realize it had such a long history.
Walnut was used historically and is a nice tone wood with good woodworking properties. I don't know why it is not more widely used.
Please share photos of the build process or at least the completed build.
i had a beautiful van eps tenor banjo with a beautiful neck with carved heal.
Charley,
Will do. It is my first attempt at a flat top octave so I am sure there will be many questions.
Walnut has open pores that you probably want to fill to create a smooth neck.
I had a banjo built of walnut many years ago. Not a problem. I also built a 5-string electric mandolin with a walnut neck, and have built a few custom rifle stocks in my time. Good piece of walnut is very stable and quite strong. It also takes finishes quite well. On my electric mando, I used a sanded-in tung-oil finish. Gorgeous.