Walnut for a neck?

**Bob Schmidt** · Feb-01-2023, 1:27pm

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.

**Bill McCall** · Feb-01-2023, 2:03pm

Cut on the quarter it should be very stable, assuming its well dried.

**Dusepo** · Feb-01-2023, 2:14pm

I've used walnut for necks many times, works fine.

**rcc56** · Feb-01-2023, 2:40pm

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.

**Bob Schmidt** · Feb-01-2023, 3:15pm

Thanks for the replies. That is one less thing to worry about. I did not realize it had such a long history.

**Charles E.** · Feb-01-2023, 3:46pm

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.

**kjbllc** · Feb-02-2023, 7:18am

i had a beautiful van eps tenor banjo with a beautiful neck with carved heal.

**Bob Schmidt** · Feb-02-2023, 12:40pm

Charley,
Will do. It is my first attempt at a flat top octave so I am sure there will be many questions.

**SBJ** · Feb-07-2023, 9:04am

Walnut has open pores that you probably want to fill to create a smooth neck.

**meow-n-dolin** · Feb-07-2023, 1:19pm

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.