Grain patterns of/for back and sides

[ken cierp]

I noticed a comment recently about the nice straight grain of the wood on a particular guitar. I am of the opinion that this once regimented tone-wood characteristic is not as important as preached to be, when it comes to producing a fine guitar. First, if that were indeed true and a structural requirement, the vast majority of Brazilian Rosewood guitars constructed in recent years would be deemed inferior since virtually all the material used today is slab/flat cut and look here -- this is a $7000 Taylor Cocobolo

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ ... 7AodZUIAbQ

Taylor's not going to let a problematic design out to create warranty issues -- this one is clearly slab/flat cut. So my point is while a nicely 1/4 sawn top is more or less mandatory so the expansion, flex etc. are somewhat predictable -- back and side wood selection, if one chooses can be selected on appearance, the caveat being it must be properly dried. I like straight grain as well -- but truth is on some of my bests EIR sets the wood is so dark (and beautiful) its difficult to tell grain direction. $.02

[Tim Benware]

Agreed, in the over whelming majority of cases it is merely cosmetic. I personally like the variation as some of the other stuff looks like it is printed.

[Jim Bean]

That was a short discussion. I am a new builder and I wonder myself about vertical grain and slab cut. I understand the importance of the 1/4 sawn or vertical grain on the sound board. The sides and back though not real sure. the biggest problem I have is price. I have my own personal plans of wood substitute. I will write more after I'm satisfied with the out come of certian woods. I plan to enjoy my retirement as a luthier. That is 15 years away. So can you afford to sacrifice strength for looks and availability by going with a slab cut and not a 1/4 sawn piece.

[ken cierp]

Flat sawn/slab cut material tends to cup and curl much more than vertical grain wood from the bending operation -- wet or dry. There is also the potential for de-lamination, an entire section can start to peel off. While using slab cut may be worth the $$$ for the rare exotic woods, a few more dollars spent for at least rift sawn material will be money well spent.

[Herman]

For backs I am not frightened about flat sawn stuff, but it should be well seasoned as Ken says. For sides I have some lesser expiriences with flat/slab sawn wood. A set of EIR got that cupped after bending, that it was not usable anymore. So that is why I stay with the quatered sides.

[Jim Bean]

I am going with quarter sawn. I completely understand. I think I was just wondering about the back. Sides most definitely no question quarter sawn. Has anyone used IPE for fret boards. It is harder than Ebony. Also the wood I am using is been in the barn for more than 40 years seasoned is not a problem. Mainly walnut and cherry, I do have cedar but no good cuts. I will build a oak guitar as well. Like I said the wood is seasoned and free so learn on what I have. I have fought with some worm holes but I know how to fix that and I like it. The curly maple was kept in the house.