I probably should start two different threads, but I am interested in hearing opinions about compression grained red spruce and "Alpine Italian Spruce". I have heard other builders say that Steve Gilchrist prefers compression grained red spruce, but I was not able to find any quotes directly attributable to him. I don't think this has been discussed here all that much and for those of you who do not know what compression spruce is here is an interesting discussion:
http://theunofficialmartinguitarforu...2#.U8kgAvldWSo
According to John Arnold "In red spruce, I observe compression wood on the lower side of leaning trunks, and underneath large limbs. In red spruce, it is quite common in the early growth of trees in the deep forest, possibly because those trees were usually tall and slender when young. Normally (at least in the milder cases), it occurs in narrow bands, because the tree 'corrects' itself after a few years and begins normal wood again.....It is usually denser than "normal" wood"
This thread goes onto to talking about Alpine Italian spruce guitars very favorably which kind of mirrors my experience with High Altitude Swiss spruce. I have to believe these are very similar. I liked this wood enough that I ended up having two mandolins built with it, one by Peter Coombe and one by Will Kimble. I believe both Will and Peter sourced these tops from the same source (Mr. Ferrari?) and both seemed fairly certain that the origin was indeed Alpine Swiss. These both had very tight beautiful grained tops and were loud with crystal clear overtones. Hans Brentrup has made a number of mandolins from Italian spruce.
I am not sure what the difference would be from typical European or Carpathian spruce but the guitar guys sure seem to go nuts for Alpine Italian like it is a different wood altogether than German or other Picea Albies varieties. I am surprised that a fairly conservative company like Martin would even offer German and Alpine Italian spruce as options and not just lump them together as Carpathian or European spruce, again assuming these are all Picea Albies?
Anyway, looking for any comments from those with experience with either "compression grained" red spruce or Alpine Italian topped mandolins. Thanks!
Sean
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