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Thread: Suitable for a neck?

  1. #1
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Suitable for a neck?

    I have this 8’ 4/4 piece of flame maple. The whole thing is not suitable for a neck but how about the area between the edge and the sapwood? Maybe make a neck from it? I originally bought this because of the flame and sapwood. I plan on using it to inlay a new kitchen table, but if some of it is suitable for a neck I might do so. Thanks!
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    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: Suitable for a neck?

    Another angle and some black walnut on the left. Click image for larger version. 

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    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Suitable for a neck?

    The wood is most likely suitable if the white wood area is big enough.
    Even if it is not thick enough there is the option of a multi-piece neck. I'm not a fan of laminating curly maple for multi-piece necks, but many do it with apparently good results.

    Edit:
    Just went back to your OP and I see that it is 4/4 lumber.
    I would not be able to get a neck from that piece of wood using my normal standards (vertical grain fingerboard surface, gain straight through neck shaft, one piece) It would require laminating (see above).

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    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: Suitable for a neck?

    I was neglecting to think about the dovetail end and verticals grain. I’ll just keep this as inlay wood for my other projects. Thanks!
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  6. #5
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: Suitable for a neck?

    Do you use a pice tall enough to include the full heel and headstock then add wings to the head stock or do you scarf a head on?
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    Adrian Minarovic
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    Default Re: Suitable for a neck?

    I've made some necks from pieces just like that. Two pieces with black strip of ebony glued in between. No problems. I actually prefer wood with radial (quartered) surfaces facing the player, not the fingerboard (like violin makers use). Maple necks with truss rod are plenty strong and fingerboards are these days mostly flatsawn so the expansion rate may be closer to the neck.
    Adrian

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  9. #7
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: Suitable for a neck?

    Ah, I had thought of using the black walnut next to it in such a way. Thanks
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    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Suitable for a neck?

    Couple of things:

    So far I've been able to use quartered ebony fingerboards almost all of the time and I like the extra bit of stability at the fingerboard joint when the neck surface is vertical grain. The stiffness and strength of maple is very nearly equal whether the grain direction is vertical or horizontal, so that is not a concern for me.

    I cut necks from timbers big enough to incorporate the heel and peghead. I nearly always need peghead ears for F-style pegheads and often for A-style. Unlike Gibson back in the day, I like to match the grain direction of the neck with the "ear" pieces.

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  12. #9

    Default Re: Suitable for a neck?

    I drew this diagram of how I used slab boards to get what I call a quartersawn neck that has long straight grain on the side of the neck instead of what I call "baseball bat flatsawn grain. Maybe this will help. Even if the peghead gets into the black wood you can hide it with the ears and back overlay.
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  14. #10

    Default Re: Suitable for a neck?

    Here's an example of what you end up with.
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  16. #11
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: Suitable for a neck?

    Thanks for the pic and sketch! I had considered doing that and I may still. I may be the odd guy out here but I have to find a use for that darker wood. When wiped down with some alcohol it is incredibly beautiful. I can’t help but wonder how strong it is compared to the white wood. I certainly will not use it as a neck but an arm rest or pickgaurd? Those might be cool or head stock overlay?
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    Default Re: Suitable for a neck?

    What about resawing it into a bookmatched back, either flat or slightly less arched than typical?

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  19. #13
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: Suitable for a neck?

    Crossed my mind but it is heartwood and I am not confident in how strong that would be. But as a slab electric hmmm.
    Last edited by John Bertotti; Jul-30-2021 at 10:34pm.
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